Malta vs Philippines: Dames skipper Nicole Gusman honouring late father with Malta representation

She’s the second year player with the skills of a veteran who plays for her late father every time she runs out on the field. Nicole Gusman will do that again this weekend as Malta eyes redemption.

Malta Dames captain Nicole Gusman. Picture: Contributed

If you’ve watched Nicole Gusman play footy, you wouldn’t believe she only played her first competitive game last year.

The powerful forward who routinely gets through games without a break gets to add another string to her bow this weekend.

The 28-year-old will captain Malta once again as they continue their growth in the international scene with an international against the Philippines on Saturday, with her own personal development in the sport on show.

A multiple state champion and Australian representative in track and field during her teenage years, Gusman made the unlikely transition last year.

Nicole Gusman was a champion high jumper in her teenage years. Photo: Contributed

“I did a pre-season at Burleigh in 2019 before joining the air force,” Gusman said.

“At the end of 2021 I tried out with the Brisbane Tigers and got a contract for the 2022 season.

“I didn’t play at any sort of club level, it was straight to the BMD Premiership. I didn’t know if I could make it, but dad thought I was good enough and I played five games that year.
“I re-signed for this year but did my meniscus playing for the air force and couldn’t play.”

It will be the fifth time Gusman will wear the white and red of the Malta Dames, and each time she runs out it carries a special significance.

Her heritage comes from her father’s (Steve) side with both grandparents born in Malta, with a tragic incident prior to her first international against Lebanon last season.

“My dad had just passed away four weeks prior to the game. It was very sudden and a huge shock,” she said.

“I wasn’t going to play. I spent three weeks in hospital with him and didn’t play any footy. He was meant to come to the game, but I thought he would’ve wanted me to play.

“He told me how proud he was. The team wore black armbands and had a minute’s silence for him.

Nicole Gusman taking a trademark hit-up. Picture: Contributed

“Both my grandfather and father have passed away, and that’s where my heritage comes from. They would’ve been so proud. Every time I put the jersey on, it’s for them.”

Gusman went on to make history against Lebanon as the first ever captain of a Malta women’s 13-a-side team.

This weekend’s match carries multiple pieces of importance for Gusman, coming up against Gatton teammate Nat Webb and looking to recover from a last-start defeat to Italy.

“It will be good. Nat has improved so much over the past couple of years,” she said.

“She had a killer season and was named player of the competition (in the Toowoomba Rugby League). She’s a force to be reckoned with, and I’m looking forward to giving her some on the field.

“Our last game against Italy was disappointing. We didn’t play our best and want to come out better.

“We don’t train together often so it’s amazing how quickly we’ve formed connections. I feel so close with the girls on the team.”

Gusman will be moving to Canberra for work next year, but still hopes that she can live out an NRLW dream.

“I watch every game of the NRLW when I can,” she said.

“I would always watch the footy with dad growing up and got to go to my first grand final at six to watch the mighty Roosters.

“If I got there it would be a bonus. I’m just happy to be playing footy, seeing the opportunities now and knowing I get to represent my heritage.

“It’s a dream come true.”

Originally published as Malta vs Philippines: Dames skipper Nicole Gusman honouring late father with Malta representation