Thriller to cap stellar career for Ballinger
RIKKI-LEE ARNOLD RETIRING Jillaroos prop Heather Ballinger is determined to not make today’s Test clash with New Zealand all about her, as Australia look to deliver her a fairytale farewell to rugby league.
The veteran forward revealed her retirement plans last month, just days out from her NRLW premiership victory with the Brisbane Broncos.
Now her final farewell has arrived, with Ballinger to play her last game against the Kiwi Ferns in Auckland today.
It is expected to be a thrilling showdown, with the Kiwis still hurting after last year’s World Cup loss to the dominant Australian side.
The Jillaroos want to maintain the upper hand today, and send the long-serving Ballinger out as a winner.
But the 36-year-old says it could be dangerous if the focus is on her, especially with the Kiwis hunting revenge.
“It’s not about me,” Ballinger said ahead of the clash at Mt Smart Stadium.
“I try not to think of it (as my last game) because I’m here to do a job.
“Of course you will miss these moments … But it’s not going to be an easy game so we have to give ourselves the best preparation we can.”
After playing her first game of league in Cairns while at university in 2006, Ballinger made her Australian debut in 2011.