Type of player NSW State of Origin U19s coach wants to see at women’s national rugby league champs

State of Origin coach Kate Mullaly has a list of attributes she wants from players up for U19 women’s State of Origin selection – and it’s not just about their skills on the field.

Kate Mullaly at NSWRL City and Country training. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

NSW under 19 women’s State of Origin coach Kate Mullaly knows exactly the type of player she wants representing the Blues in their upcoming battle with arch foes Queensland and that every position is “still up for grabs’’ ahead of the Harvey Norman women’s national championships on the Gold Coast.

Mullaly has identified the skills and character traits she wants to see in the rising stars of the game as both country and city players audition for the squad at the national championships from May 18.

A dozen teams – including an inaugural one from New Zealand – will play across four days at Pizzey Park at Burleigh but only NSW, Queensland and the touring Ahi Ka Aotearoa team will field U19 squads.

Mullaly said she knows there will be an abundance of passion from hopefuls but there are other traits and characteristics she’s looking for from prospective NSW Blues players given the job of avenging their loss to the Queensland Rubys in the U19 battle last year.

“I want smart footballers, strong, tough footballers,’’ said Mullaly, a former player from the NSW south coast who wears many hats including being Sky Blues assistant coach, Parramatta Eels assistant and women’s development manager and went to the World Cup as part of the Jillaroos coaching team last year.

Kate Mullaly at NSWRL City and Country training. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

“I want passion as well but they won’t be short of that. They’ve already organised their lives to get away from school or world so we know the passion is there.

“I also want good people, girls who don’t just communicate well but also get along with both staff and other players.’’

City gun Brooke Talataina played against Country U19s in shocking conditions earlier this month. Picture: Bryden Sharp NSWRL

Also on Mullahy’s wish list are players who can adapt to a new environment quickly, read the game well and can see and act on opportunities.

“I want smart footy players who understand what they are doing. You can tell them. They are the ones who see opportunity.

Mullahy said it is expected 20 players will be named for the U19 State of Origin on a date still to be confirmed.

For many the national championships will be the biggest, most important game these NSW players have contested in their rugby league careers with the event shining a spotlight on the rising stars of the sport and prospective NRLW players.

“There will be scouts up there from every club,’’ she said. “All clubs are looking at this event for the future.’’

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