ST George Illawarra Dragons women's NRL Nines head coach Alicia-Kate Hawke has named her team for the inaugural fixture against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Cronulla this Saturday.
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Hawke will captain the 15-woman team for the inaugural fixture which will comprise many of the best female players from across the Women in Defence Illawarra League and provide a new dimension to the extensive pathways already available to aspiring players.
Selected in the 15-woman squad is Bomaderry duo Talia Atfield (24) and Jessica Little (23).
“We were contacted by the Dragons and they informed that they were putting together this team and they wanted Jess and I to try out,” Atfield said.
“It started with a squad of 25 and after four training sessions, they this week cut it to the final 15 this week.”
Despite different backgrounds, with Little playing football and Atfield league tag, both girls have always wanted to play at Shark Park.
“I wasn’t allowed to play rugby league when I was younger because mum didn’t approve – and she still doesn’t,” Little said.
“This is my first year playing with Bomaderry and I’m stoked to be able to share this experience with Talia.”
At this stage, this exhibition match is a one off but there are plans in the works for this to become a regular fixture.
“They want to this match to run alongside the men’s matches, every time the Dragons take on the Sharks,” Atfield said.
“And eventually they want to introduce a women’s league, as they have just announced an under 18s league, which will start next year.
“This weekend though, it's not about the result, as it's about the experience and the growth for women and league.”
Gerringong’s Ruan Sims will captain the Sharks’ side.
Dragons’ 15-woman squad: Alicia-Kate Hawke, Rikeya Horne, Talia Atfield, Mikala Malaki, Tammy Fletcher, Kezie Apps, Bernadette Asiata, Ashley Swan-Hayles, Erin Blackwell, Maddison Perceval, Rebecca Dunning, Jewelle Jack, Chantelle Thomas, Jessica Little and Jasmine Sarin.