Sydney mum Pauline Piliae-Rasabale Wallaroos debut, Player of Match against Fijiana
When it comes to debuts this one could not have been much better for this incredible mother-of-two from Sydney’s west.
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There were 11 debutantes named but one stood out form the pack as Mother’s Day came early for Sydney mum Pauline Piliae-Rasabale in the Wallaroos sensational 17 point victory over Fijiana.
It was the Wallaroos first test victory in 956 days and the first time Waratah gun Piliae-Rasabale has pulled on an Australian jersey.
And the 29-year-old made it memorable, scoring on debut and also named Player of the Match in her first outing for Australia.
“To be honest I can’t believe it all happened,’’ Piliae-Rasabale said.
“It just seemed like it happened so fast, debuting, singing the anthem, standing beside my teammates.
“The boys were at the game. It was so special to have them all there.’’
While other mum’s were celebrating Mother’s Day with champagnes lunches and surrounded by friends, Piliae-Rasabale was back in training on Sunday ahead of the Wallaroos second test against Japan at Bond University on Tuesday.
“I got to spend my free time on Saturday afternoon with them,’’ she said of son’s Jireh-Pita, 7, and Jezrahiah 4.
“To be honest just being named in the 23 (last week) felt like Mother’s Day. The rest has been a bonus.’’
A former state netballer who has also played some rugby league, Piliae hails from Mount Druitt, part of the victorious Waratahs Super W side and plays for the Western Sydney Two Blues.
The Wallaroos are now preparing to tackle Japan on Tuesday at Bond University.
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