NRLW 2020: Dragon Keeley Davis says hits harder, level higher in women’s rugby league
Just two years ago she was the youngest player in the NRLW at just 18. Now Keeley Davis is a “hardened” veteran on a mission and taking big hits in her stride.
Illawarra Star
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It’s one of the stranger goals for a rugby league player but Keeley Davis is hoping to make it though the entire NRLW season this year without a black eye.
The 20-year-old half/hooker played in the inaugural NRLW season two years ago and ended up black and blue.
“I had 10 black eyes in a row,” Davis said.
“I haven’t had one since and I’d like to keep it that way.”
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While she has learned to protect her face more, Davis has been taken aback but the lift in intensity in the women’s game the past two years.
Big hits are getting bigger and harder and more regular
“The physicality I have really noticed this year and how it’s gone up,’’ said Davis, who lives at Ulladulla and played with the Cronulla Sharks in the Harvey Norman women’s premiership.
“Playing in Sydney competition this year it was much more physical as well.
“Big hits are getting bigger and harder and more regular.
“It happens all the time. The speed has lifted as well. It’s definitely a lot quicker.
“The level of the game has really improved.”
Despite a nasty knock to her jaw last round against the Roosters, a wrist injury earlier this season and two dislocated elbows a year apart in 2018 and 2019, Davis enjoys the physicality of the game.
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It’s why she got into the NRLW in the first place.
“I still love it. It’s a big part of the game, a big attraction for me,” she said.
Davis said her body is significantly fitter and stronger than it was two years and has set up her own private training business at Woonona, north of Wollongong.
“With the football it was hard to keep a job so started my own business during COVID,” she said.
“I love it and I love keeping fit and strong.”
The Dragons are out to erase the memory of their shocking start to the seasons which saw them fall 18-4 to the Roosters last round when they take on the Broncos on Saturday.