Gago happy with big moves on and off pitch
Switching from fullback to the forwards is a rarity in league but it’s a feat Warriors Women’s lock Louisa Gago has managed.
In the 1980s, versatile players such as Ellery Hanley and Gary Prohm had the ability to move from the backline to the pack, while Lance Hohaia was one of the foremost examples in the modern era, but it’s become unusual.
Gago, who will wear the No 13 jersey for the Warriors against the Dragons in the second round of the NRLW tonight, was a fullback as she came up through the grades. But fate — and a series of injuries — led to her swapping the glamour for the grit.
“I was really fast back in high school and I was a fullback,” Gago told the Weekend Herald. “And then over the years, I had a few injuries, so it was hard for me to go back to being a fullback or centre. When I came back, I gained a bit of weight, so the coach thought I would be okay if I went back to the forwards.”
There was a prolonged period of adjustment, especially as Gago, at 1.59m and 69kg, isn’t particularly big for a forward.
“It took me a while to learn the role, especially because I’m the smallest in the team,” said Gago. “It was a bit hard for me, with all the contact and the big forwards all around me.”
But the 23-year-old has thrived in the position, representing the Kiwi Ferns in the 2017 Auckland Nines tournament before being selected for last year’s World Cup, where the Ferns reached the final.
“To be honest, now I thank my coach all the time for making the call to move [me] to the forwards,” said Gago.
“I would never return to the backs again. I love the workrate that we have in the middle, and always knowing we’re going to play a big role in the game.”
Gago impressed in the Warriors’ 10-4 win over the Roosters last Saturday. She had a high defensive workrate and ran a great line off a Laura Mariu pass for her team’s second try.
Gago, who describes herself as a lifelong leaguie, is still overwhelmed to be part of the first Warriors squad in the NRLW.
“I’ve been a massive supporter of the Warriors since I was a kid,” said Gago. “I remember watching the first grand final [in 2002], when I was young. I can’t believe I’m part of the club, and am so honoured about how the women’s game has grown over the past 10 years.”
Gago will tonight face a familiar foe, with long-time Kiwi Fern Honey Hireme at centre for the Dragons.
Hireme has been a legend of the sport, and crossed for 13 tries in four matches at the 2017 World Cup, but has opted for the opportunity across the Tasman.
The 37-year-old is one of five New Zealand-born players turning out for the Sydney club and Gago can’t wait for the clash.
“She was my roomie at the World Cup so I’m looking forward to seeing her again,” said Gago. “But this time, it’s against each other, which will be a bit different. But it’s a good opportunity for her over there.”
The Warriors match kicks off at 7.10pm (NZT).
I’ve been a massive supporter of the Warriors . . . I can’t believe I’m part of the club. Louisa Gago