It’s been a long time coming but women’s tackle rugby league is taking off.
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For the first time, Country Rugby League have introduced the tackle version of the sport to their representative pathways for 2019 and two Walcha women are set to be part of the history-making year.
Walcha’s Robyn Broadbent and Katelyn Smith will pull on the Group 19 jersey at the Greater Northern Championships in February.
Broadbent has been named Group 19’s captain after the team was finalised on Saturday.
It was an accolade she didn’t expect.
“I think it is awesome. I was very surprised but I am very honoured to lead the team,” she said.
The duo turned out for Uralla in the Group 19 women’s nines competition where their side finished third and were chosen for the wider representative squad.
The nines tournament was the first time Broadbent and Smith had both played tackle rugby league.
“I have wanted to do it since I was 18 and there was never anything around so being 35 and doing it now is a bit different,” Broadbent said.
“There are a lot more advantages and things around these days than when I first started playing tag.
“It will be good for some of the girls that really want to go places.”
The Group 19 team is coached by Armidale’s Kate McCulloch and features a broad range of experience and age.
“There is a few young people and a few older heads there but everyone is really keen and willing to play,” Broadbent said.