Jillaroos star Corban McGregor to shine for son

CORBAN McGregor has made a name for herself in the NSW and Australian teams plus signed a contract with an NRL club — but she has an extra motivation.

Corban McGregor is gearing up for the World Cup. Picture: Nigel Hallett

CORBAN McGregor has not forgotten how she felt as the Jillaroos came together to discuss their World Cup goals one year ago.

It was the Australian team’s first camp under new coach Brad Donald and it was the moment when they had to decide what was most important for the women’s competition in 2017.

Growing the game and being a positive influence to the next generation of girls was one of the biggest goals they discussed that day.

However claiming that World Cup trophy was the one that they knew would require the most work.

For McGregor, who made her green-and-gold debut at the 2016 Auckland Nines, it was also the moment when she realised just how badly she wanted to be in the season-ending tournament.

“We were in camp with Brad Donald for the first time about a year ago and the World Cup was our main vision and goal,” McGregor said.

MORE: Complete guide to the women’s Rugby League World Cup

Corban McGregor is gearing up for the World Cup with the Jillaroos. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“It was a really special time.

‘‘It was awesome being in a room with some girls who have played at a World Cup before and hearing about their World Cup win in England (in 2013).

“It definitely inspired me and the other girls who haven’t done it before.

‘‘It made us want to be there ... to make our own goals.

“I have worked my arse off to make sure I was part of the squad.

‘‘The fact it’s only a month or so away, everyone is itching to put our plans into action.”

McGregor said the Jillaroos had plenty of other “little goals” along the way this year, including claiming both the Auckland Nines against New Zealand in February and the May Anzac Test.

The 23-year-old centre starred on both occasions and also in Australia’s inaugural meeting with Papua New Guinea last month, resulting in her selection in Donald’s final 24-woman World Cup squad.

For someone who started playing rugby league in 2015, encouraged by fellow Jillaroos stars Samantha Bremner and Maddie Studdon, it has been a whirlwind three seasons.

As well as making a name for herself in the NSW and Australian teams, McGregor was also the second female league player to sign a contract with an NRL club, joining Cronulla alongside Jillaroos skipper Ruan Sims.

Achieving these goals has been one driving factor for McGregor, but another motivation has been setting a good example for her six-year-old son Carter Studdon.

McGregor juggles her football responsibilities with her duties as a mum and her job assisting the NRL’s game development officers.

While it can be tough, she continues to push through for her own love of the game and for her son.

“He plays footy himself and he’s really gotten into it,” McGregor said of Carter.

Corban McGregor in action for NSW. Picture: Wesley Monts

“He appreciates what I do more this year. I think he’s proud that I’m his mum.

‘‘It’s really special for me to play for him. He’s why I do everything I do.

“There’s a few mums in the team so it’s awesome to be able to bounce off them.

“I have a lot of support.

‘‘My family and Carter’s father’s side, they provide a lot of support.

“A lot of the girls do it for the love of the game even though we have jobs and kids ... it’s all worth it in the end.”

Carter will certainly be there to see his mum and aunt, Jillaroos playmaker Maddie, next month when the women’s World Cup kicks off.

All of the women’s pool games and the semi-finals will be played in Cronulla, before the final in Brisbane on December 2.

Australia will begin their campaign against the Cook Islands on November 16.