Ashanti Pennell’s incredible journey to chase rugby league dreams with the Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers officials didn’t know who Ashanti Pennell was when she tried out for the Tarsha Gale team, now the young woman from Baradine is chasing her rugby league dreams in the big smoke.

Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup player Ashanti Pennell. Picture: Rhiannah Gebbie/Shot Of Guac Photography

FEW have made more sacrifices than Ashanti Pennell in the hopes of chasing her rugby league dreams.

Currently plying her trade with the Wests Tigers in the Tarsha Gale Cup, the talented half made the move from Baradine, a small town of less than 800 people and a seven-hour drive from Campbelltown.

The teenager took the plunge and made the long journey down for a trial. Such was the impression she made, officials needed to find out more about this young talent from northwest NSW.

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“We had an in-house trial and she was wearing country rugby league and union clothes, and she tried out as a halfback and hooker,” coach Letitia Taylor said.

“One of her best mates Mia Taylor has been with the Tigers for a few years and hails from Nyngan, so she came down.

“We asked around and no one knew who she was. When she said she was from Baradine we had to ask where that was. She made the trip down for the trial and was really impressive.”

For Pennell, giving the sport a red-hot crack after graduating was at the forefront of her mind, with the gamble paying off.

Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup player Ashanti Pennell. Picture: Rhiannah Gebbie/Shot Of Guac Photography

“After finishing my HSC last year I felt for me to be able to follow my dream in rugby league I needed to apply to trial for a Tarsha Gale team,” she said.

“I was very fortunate to get a trial with the Wests Tigers. I was extremely excited and very grateful when I was offered a position in the squad however nervous at the same time as I knew it was going to be a massive change in my life moving to a big city from a small country town.

“Being in Sydney has been a huge lifestyle change for me as I have only lived in a small country town my whole life however I am enjoying it and learning new things about the city each day.

“My family have supported me every step of the way to follow my dreams, and have made a few trips down to watch some of my games.”

Ashanti Pennell (right) makes a tackle. Picture: Rhiannah Gebbie/Shot Of Guac Photography

What makes Pennell’s inclusion in the side even more amazing is she has only played rugby league from the age of 16.

As can be standard with bush footy, the Pennell’s have clocked up many kilometres on the road to help Ashanti follow her passion.

“I started playing rugby league with the Castlereagh Cougars,” she said.
“It gave me the wonderful opportunity as I got older to also play up with the Opens.

“I’ve always had a strong passion for rugby league as I grew up watching my Dad play numerous years for Baradine and my family are also supporters of rugby league and have been for years.

“I also started playing rugby union when I was 13 which led me to playing both codes because I love footy.

“My family have had to travel thousands of kilometres over the years and pay numerous accommodation for me to be able to train and play league and rugby. I have spent many times doing assignments and school work in the car while travelling.”

Pennell has shown a tremendous ability in both codes, representing the NSW All Schools in Sevens rugby, making the NSW Country side on four occasions, and last year was part of the NSW Waratahs U18s squad.

This ability has seen her train with the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership squad throughout the year, with one big goal in mind.

Ashanti Pennell (centre) hits hard in defence. Picture: Rhiannah Gebbie/Shot Of Guac Photography

“The highlight of the season so far for me is that I have been able to attend some training with the Harvey Norman women’s team at the start of the season,” she said.

“I was also very grateful for the support and the wonderful coaching, and I was also given the opportunity to participate in a trial match with them. I really enjoy playing at the women’s level.

“I would really love the opportunity to play in the NRLW, as it would be a dream

come true for me.”

Coach Taylor has praised the way Pennell has come into her own since joining the team.

“She’s a really good team leader,” she said.
“Ashanti started off a bit quiet but has grown into her role and is speaking up more. She’s that typical country girl that is very easy to get along with.”