CHEYANNE Hatch is just one of four Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs who will follow in the footsteps of her father David, a former captain of the club, after signing on to play rugby league with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
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After helping the Bulldogs reach the 2018 Group Seven finals, Olivia Patterson, Karla Cowan, Kate Mullaly and Hatch have all decided to concentrate on the tackle form of the game this season.
Former captain Hatch, who juggled both league, with Cronulla-Carringbah, and WLT last season, is excited to be involved with the Sharks in their inaugural season in the NSW Women’s Premiership.
“Us four girls were lucky enough to be involved at the right time as the Sharks got involved and put in there first ever team into the NSW Women’s Premiership,” Hatch said.
“We all couldn’t say no to being involved with the Sharks club, especially considering Dad, who coached us in league tag at the Bulldogs, used to play for them.”
During his career, Hatch played 183 times for the Sharks, captaining them to the minor premiership in 1988, while also claiming the Dally M captain of the year in 1985 and 1988.
As such, Hatch and her side have been training hard since November, ahead of the season’s kick-off in March.
“The pre-season has been really enjoyable, as we got in early to make sure everyone was on the same page,” she said.
“It makes a difference with the girls we have – they are all keen and motivated to do well, so it makes the pre-season fun.
“On top of that, being able to train alongside the NRL first grade boys’ team was an awesome experience.
“Not to mention having both Glenn Bailey and Brett Kimmorley as coaches makes the pre-season a lot more worthwhile, with all there experience and knowledge.
“Especially as this is only my second year playing league, the whole environment has helped my transition and will no doubt make my first season with them more enjoyable.”
Hatch admits though, having three former Dogs team mates has made her transition into the new club much easier.
"It’s great having a couple of familiar faces around the fresh club,” Hatch said.
“A new experience with your friends is exactly what footy is all about.”
Going into her first season at Shark Park, Hatch is excited for the challenge, especially considering the fast growing nature of the women’s game.
“The women’s game is growing so much and this premiership is the strongest competition in NSW, so I’m definitely expecting it to be tough,” she said.
“However, with the group of girls and support from the club, I know it’s going to be a very enjoyable and exciting year not just for our team but for the women’s game.
“From a personal perspective, I definitely look at this chance as getting me one step closer to achieving my goal of playing in the women’s NRL.
“However, I’m looking forward to getting a lot more experience in the game and getting used to tackling not tagging, before I focus on any representative pathways.
“I’m just stoked to be apart of the Sharks club and I can’t wait to put on the sharks jersey just like my dad – if anything else happens in the future that would be a bonus but for now I’m looking forward to learning new skills and getting ready for the challenge ahead.”