CORBAN TO SHINE FOR SON

WORLD CUP

CORBAN McGregor has not forgotten how she felt as the Jillaroos came together to discuss their World Cup goals one year ago.

It was the Australian team’s first camp under new coach Brad Donald and it was the moment when they had to decide what was most important for the women’s competition in 2017.

Growing the game and being a positive influence to the next generation of girls was one of the biggest goals they discussed that day.

However claiming that World Cup trophy was the one that they knew would require the most work.

For McGregor, who made her green-and-gold debut at the 2016 Auckland Nines, it was also the moment when she realised just how badly she wanted to be in the seasonending tournament.

“We were in camp with Brad Donald for the first time about a year ago and the World Cup was our main vision and goal,” McGregor said. “It was a really special time. ‘‘It was awesome being in a room with some girls who have played at a World Cup before and hearing about their World Cup win in England (in 2013).

“It definitely inspired me and the other girls who haven’t done it before.

‘‘It made us want to be there ... to make our own goals.

“I have worked my arse off to make sure I was part of the squad.

‘‘The fact it’s only a month with an NRL club, joining Cronulla alongside Jillaroos skipper Ruan Sims.

Achieving these goals has been one driving factor for McGregor, but another motivation has been setting a good example for her six-year-old son Carter Studdon.

McGregor juggles her football responsibilities with her duties as a mum and her job assisting the NRL’s game development officers.

While it can be tough, she continues to push through for her own love of the game and for her son.

“He plays footy himself and he’s really gotten into it,” McGregor said of Carter.

“He appreciates what I do more this year. I think he’s proud that I’m his mum.

‘‘It’s really special for me to play for him. He’s why I do everything I do.

“There’s a few mums in the team so it’s awesome to be able to bounce off them.

“I have a lot of support. My family and Carter’s father’s side, they provide a lot of support.

“A lot of the girls do it for the love of the game even though we have jobs and kids ... it’s all worth it in the end.”

Carter will certainly be there to see his mum and aunt, Jillaroos playmaker Maddie, next month when the women’s World Cup kicks off.

All of the women’s pool games and the semi-finals will be played in Cronulla, before the final in Brisbane on December 2.

Australia will begin campaign against the Islands on November 16. their Cook