Jillaroos win Women's Rugby League World Cup
CAMDEN winger Tegan Chandler is on top of the rugby league world after the Australian Jillaroos won the 2013 Women's Rugby League World Cup final on Monday morning.
CAMDEN winger Tegan Chandler is on top of the rugby league world after the Australian Jillaroos won the 2013 Women's Rugby League World Cup final on Monday morning.
The Jillaroos defeated tournament favourites and defending champions New Zealand 22-12 at Headingly Stadium in the United Kingdom.
It was the first World Cup victory for the Australians and came at the expense of the Kiwis' first loss.
The first half was a stalemate and both sides went into the break tied 8-8.
But tries to Jenni-Sue Hoepper, Tarah Westera, Heather Ballinger and Samantha Hammond helped the Jillaroos to victory.
The Jillaroos performed well in Pool B, defeating England 14-6 before thrashing France 72-0.
The last group stage match was a final preview, as both New Zealand and Australia had already qualified, although Australia had suffered a 14-6 loss.
Chandler told the Macarthur Chronicle the victory was the highlight of her career. "Winning the final was the best feeling I have ever had," she said.
"I can't even think of the words to describe it.
"We worked so hard for this and finally achieved it."
Chandler said team bonding allowed the players to overcome the group stage loss.
"I am so proud of all the girls," she said.
"If there was a year to win the World Cup, this was it," she said.
The 21-year-old said confidence was high going into the final.
She predicted the victory would boost women's rugby league.
"With a strong forward pack and a backline filled with rookies who have taken the challenge head-on, we achieved everything we wanted," she said.
"This is a massive step for women's rugby league in Australia."