Talesha Quinn passes army fitness test in march towards NRL women’s premiership

THERE wasn’t a ball in sight and her boots were made for marching, not kicking, when Talesha Quinn passed a fitness test crucial to her playing in Sunday’s NRL women’s premiership.

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THERE wasn’t a ball in sight and her boots were made for marching, not kicking, when Jillaroo Talesha Quinn passed a fitness test crucial to her hopes of taking the field in this weekend’s opening round of the NRL women’s premiership.

The weight on her shoulders was real - a 26 kilo pack which she had to lug 5km as part of a fitness test by her Army employees following knee surgery eight weeks ago.

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“I have to do a 2.4km run in under 14 minutes, 18 push ups and 75 sit-ups. That’s the basic test for my age and gender,” said the St George Illawarra Dragons forward.

Kezie Apps and Talesha Quinn as Jillaroos teammates.

“I then had to do a 5km weight pack march in full army kit ... boots, helmet, armour, rifle and webbing in 51 to 55 minutes.”

Quinn, who had to pass the army test to even be eligible to play, admits she pulled up sore in the shoulders and shins from the testing and comes away with some sizeable blisters.

“I haven’t been wearing my boot around so I have shin splints, blisters in my feet and pretty sore shoulders,” she said.

“If I don’t feel 100 per cent and think I’ll let the girls down I won’t play.”

Jillaroos and serving defence force representatives Talesha Quinn and Meg Ward at the Army Barracks. Pic: Phil Hillyard

The Dragons have had to contend with three of their stars carrying injuries into the first round.

But on Tuesday skipper Sam Bremner was named to start at fullback with Kezie Apps and Talesha Quinn combining in they backrow.

Coach Daniel Lacey says he will give Quinn as much time as possible to prove her ability to take the field against the Broncos on Sunday

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“I wouldn’t be saying it’s 100 per cent yet to have her back but she’s a good shot,” he said.

The Dragons head to Queensland this weekend for their first match of the new competition against the Broncos in Brisbane on Sunday.

Originally published as Talesha Quinn passes army fitness test in march towards NRL women’s premiership