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Western Sydney teen Haneen Zreika play both senior AFL and rugby league

Earlier this year, Teenager Haneen Zreika became the first Muslim woman to play in the AFL women’s competition as a member of the GWS side. Now she has doubled down on making sporting history.

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Teenager Haneen Zreika has already made sporting history.

This year, she became the first Muslim woman to play in the AFL women’s competition as a member of the GWS side.

But it gets better.

She is now also the first woman to play both AFL and rugby league at a senior level.

Zreika in action for the Giants. Image: Matt King/Getty Images
Zreika in action for the Giants. Image: Matt King/Getty Images

The 19-year-old made her debut for Cabramatta in the Harvey Norman women’s competition last weekend against South Sydney.

A fullback-halfback and a Kalyn Ponga fan, Haneen scored a try and set up two others.

“I grew up playing league from six to 12 in boys’ teams,” she said. “Then there was nothing for girls so I went and tried AFL.

“I love them both. The seasons don’t clash so I can play both.”

The teenage tears into Souths for Cabramatta. Image: Monique Harmer
The teenage tears into Souths for Cabramatta. Image: Monique Harmer

Haneen has a huge future in both sports.

“In AFL, my league skills are handy with agility, stepping and things like that. In league, it’s good to have my fitness from AFL and kicking skills.”

The footage of Haneen’s emotional response after being told she would make her AFLW debut this year went viral.

Clock here to watch the video.

Originally published as Western Sydney teen Haneen Zreika play both senior AFL and rugby league

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/swoop/western-sydney-teen-haneen-zreika-play-both-senior-afl-and-rugby-league/news-story/d7aa8d1ac50954ad58d3115a18fba31b