NSW Blues v Queensland State of Origin U19: Sienna Williams‘ journey from rugby fan to league

You might have seen her on the sidelines or heard her on the radio but it’s on the field beside her mates this young gun wants to be noticed in this week’s U19 State of Origin.

Sienna Williams is on the comeback from a nasty injury last season. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

When Sienna Williams saw the Australian women’s rugby seven team win their historic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics she just wanted to run out to the nearest field and start playing the game.

But it didn’t take Williams long to realise it was another code that she belonged in.

And it was one her rugby league mad family thoroughly supported.

“I saw the Sevens girls win gold and like every other girl in a country I wanted to start playing footy,’’ Williams said ahead of the U19 State of Origin this week.

“Then Arncliffe Scots Juniors gave us the chance to play league and I just loved it from the start.

“I’d never played junior contact football before and it was great.

What a club! Arncliffe Scots Junior RL club players: Left to right: Kate Fallon, Chloe Jackson, Latisha Smythe and Sienna Williams. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

“I do love the contact side. It’s fun to get all rough and aggressive and I love being able to get the ball out wide and play a physical game upfront.

“I also love the speed and agility and strength and the physicality of the game.

“It’s not something girls are supposed to do to some people. I love it when people look at me and go that doesn’t make sense, that they are a little surprised.

The Men’s U19 State of Origin is also being played this week. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

“I’m small, 56kg, so pretty little compared to most of the girls and people do look at me and wonder.’’

Off the field Williams, who played Tarsha Gale for Bears and was a bench utility for NSW City U19s, works as a producer on 2GB radio.

“I am so lucky, I just love my job,’’ she said.

“I went into work experience and I now work with Ben Fordham and I’ve even had a couple of stints on the sidelines for the continuous call team.”

Sienna Williams.

The match on Thursday in Queensland marks a remarkable feat for Williams who a year ago wondered if she would be able to continue playing rugby league at a high level.

“I was playing at the City, Country National championships and broke my leg and dislocated my ankle,’’ she said.

“It was pretty devastating. I had worked really hard since with the physio from my North Sydney Bears team.

“He help me really get back into shape. But at the time I wondered if it was the end of me.

“I’m still gaining confidence. But I embrace every game now, knowing it could be over sooner than later.’’

Williams now plays with a plate and eight screws in her ankle.

“I will be beeping for life at the airport,’’ said William who is thrilled to be part of the NSW Blues.

“I’m just so excited, especially for my dad (Brett),’’ she said. “He taught me everything and I want to do him proud.

“My family has sacrificed so much for me to play football - taking me everywhere, dad kicking high balls to me at the park - and I just want to make them proud.”

Williams said she gets her love of rugby league from her family.

“Dad is a mad Bunnies fan, mum, poor thing, goes for the Tigers, so she’s had a tough couple of years, and I go for the Bulldogs. I don’t actually know where that comes from but I do also have a soft spot for the Bunnies,’’ she said.

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