Maria Graf has signed with the Noosa Pirates rugby league club

The Noosa Pirates are getting a touch of international flair with the arrival of Brazil’s women’s rugby league captain as she looks to become the first South American-born NRLW player.

Noosa Pirates women's head coach Rob Burgin with Brazilian international halfback Maria Graf. Picture: Eddie Franklin

Sunshine Coast’s women’s rugby league competition is about to get some international flair with the addition of Brazil captain and women’s world cup star Maria Graf.

Graf is expected to run out for the Noosa Pirates this weekend as she takes the first step in her quest to play in the NRLW.

She hopes to become the first South American-born player to play in Australia at a professional level.

The 27-year-old, who is yet to play a game in the Sunshine Coast Women’s competition, has already received interest from a number of BMD Premiership teams.

“In Brazil we don’t have many games so it’s hard to grow, I think here, given we play every week I can work on my skills and gain more experience,” Graf said.

“My main aim is to make it to the NRLW but that’s a big step.

“If I can develop my skills here it helps Brazil rugby league and it allows me to one day go back and coach them with what I’ve learnt.”

Brazilian international halfback Maria Graf has signed with the Noosa Pirates. Picture: Eddie Franklin

Head coach Robert Burgin said he was excited for the coming months.

“It’s exciting in so many ways as what we’re doing is fairly historic for the sport,” he said.

“She’s very brave to come over as it’s a different language and a whole other level of competition but she’ll get stuck in.”

Burgin said he viewed the campaign as a two-year project.

“There have been a few Brazilians that have made it into the Super League over in the UK so we’ve been looking to have a player become the first from South-America go onto higher levels over here,” he said.

“Maria is one of the players we see as a realistic chance to make the transition and some people think it’s far-fetched but we saw her compete quite well in the World Cup.

“She’s got a great kicking game, is a good defender for her size, a great communicator and leader and it’s just a matter of getting the finer points down pat.”

Burgin said the knowledge she gained would also help further grow the game in South America.

“We know she won’t just walk into NRLW, it will be a two-year project but she’s already in the Sunshine Coast Falcons representative squad and we see her as a beacon lighting the way for future players,” he said.

“When she decides it’s time to go back she’s the perfect person to become a coach or help through development.

“She works as a PT, runs the junior rugby union programs over there, is an international referee so one side is what she’ll achieve here and the other is what will happen when she goes home and becomes a bit of an ambassador.”