NewsBite

2025 NSW NRL Schoolgirls Cup: Hills SHS v Bass SHS, Round 3

Anika Penitani may already be a Schoolgirls star, but a new role for Hills SHS has only further enhanced her credentials, ahead of Thursday’s clash against Bass SHS. Watch it LIVE here.

Anika Penitani might be playing out of position at halfback.

But you wouldn’t know it judging by her play so far in the Schoolgirls Cup.

We’ve become accustomed to seeing Penitani in the dummy half role for Parramatta at the junior reps level and at lock for her club the Hills Bulls.

But when it comes to Hills Sports High, Penitani is pulling the strings, with coach Patricia Raikadroka impressed at how she has handled the switch ahead of Thursday’s clash against Bass Sports High.

The Hills v Bass match will be available live and exclusive on KommuityTV from 11am.

“She’s had a little bit of experience at half, but is predominantly a dummy half,” she said.

“The move was based on what’s best for the team. She’s still developing her craft and it’s a lot of responsibility.

“But she’s getting a greater understanding of that. With our program we focus on skill development.

“They move into positions and sometimes feel uncomfortable. But at the same time we’re confident our players have the skill set to put that together and be able to support the team.”

Coming into their clash with fellow powerhouse Bass High, Raikadroka is well aware of the strengths of their opponents, but confident they can get the result.

“With the last three years being in the same pool, we always have to play them,” she said.

“It’s good to come up against them and what they will offer. We still want to evolve and develop other areas of our game.

Anika Penitani will be a key player in Thursday’s matchup. Picture: Warren Gannon.
Anika Penitani will be a key player in Thursday’s matchup. Picture: Warren Gannon.

“This is our last game before it becomes do-or-die in the finals. On Tuesday (at training) we focused purely on how we build pressure and everyone’s individual jobs.”

Hills is guaranteed a spot in the finals, but Raikadroka has warned her players not to think too far ahead of the task immediately at hand.

“It’s really good for the girls. They love a trip away,” she said.

“Also to be in that environment in a stadium like that (McDonald Jones Stadium) is amazing. The pathways system is great for the girls and it’s awesome to see some of the facilities if they choose to pursue a spot in that elite arena.

“But it’s one game at a time. Yes we’re confident we’ll get there, but how we get there based on our performance on Thursday will be the best preparation for us.”

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/live-streams/league/2025-nsw-nrl-schoolgirls-cup-hills-shs-v-bass-shs-round-3/news-story/12d6b7e3e7aa250c106a554d858ca397