Role model inspiring Dally M star all way to World Cup after nine-year wait

Emma Tonegato’s path to the Jillaroos squad could be blocked by the very woman who introduced her to rugby league.

She dominated sevens but Emma Tonegato is ready to return to the Jillaroos. Picture: AP Photo / Themba Hadebe

Friday night’s grand opening of Allianz Stadium will feature two of the best fullbacks in the modern era, and no, we’re not talking about James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell.

Sam Bremner and Emma Tonegato will clash in one of the most anticipated duels of the NRLW season when the Roosters take on the Dragons in a rematch of last season’s grand final.

The Roosters grabbed the win that day but Tonegato went on to share the Dally M Medal with Millie Boyle to cap a stunning return to rugby league after a storied sevens career.

It was a dream year for Emma Tonegato, who shared the Dally M with Millie Boyle and made her State of Origin debut for NSW. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“We’re not taking it as a grand final rematch,” Tonegato told NCA NewsWire.

“It’s just another game to us. It’s a new season and both teams have changed, so we’re just looking at it like a normal game.

“There are no trophies won at the end of this game.”

But there could be a World Cup spot on the line, with Bremner and Tonegato heading an incredible field of fullbacks which includes Newcastle’s Tamika Upton.

Bremner has returned to rugby league this season after she gave birth to her second child in 2021, and her numbers in the opening two rounds are phenomenal.

Sam Bremner has been the best player in the opening two rounds of the NRLW season. Picture: Supplied

She’s scored a try and had three assists while she’s also busted 18 tackles and averages 109m per game.

Tonegato has also scored a try and had three assists while she’s broken 12 tackles and averages 149m, and she’s fresh from a dominant display against the Eels last week, where she played a part in all four of their tries.

The pair go way back to their time together in Helensburgh, when Bremner recruited a starry eyed Tonegato in 2011 to join the footy team when she was 16.

They were on the plane together two years later when the Jillaroos went on to win the World Cup, with Bremner bagging five tries while Tonegato scored a hat-trick in a 72-0 win over France in the pool stage.

The Dragons star was still in year 12 when she won the World Cup on the wing, but she says there’s no rivalry whatsoever when it comes to competing for the No.1 jersey with her long-time friend when the squad for the 2022 tournament is picked later this year.

“It’s nothing personal for me,” said Tonegato, who replaced Bremner at St George Illawarra.

“We were playing touch before that and Sammy said that they were starting a league team and told me to sign up. I did the moment I could when I was 16, so I’ve known her for a very long time.

“I love footy, so I just focus on myself. I look at my own game and try to make sure I’m doing everything I can to help the team. I just focus on one game at a time, so I’ll focus on the World Cup later in the year if it’s on the cards for me.

“I can’t count my chickens before they hatch. I’m not even sure on the selection process or what that looks like. I haven’t been contacted by anybody, so at the moment, my sole focus is on the Dragons and the NRLW.

“Sam is an incredible role model for the sport. To have two kids and come back in this form is incredible. We’ll have to keep an eye on her.”

Tonegato and Bremner could be back in the Aussie team nine years after they won the World Cup. Picture: Jason McCawley / Getty Images

Tonegato said she was feeling more confident than she was last season, but knows she and her teammates have work to do if they want to get back to the final.

“We didn’t play our best last week,” the fullback said.

“It was super hot in the middle of the day and that’s a bit different to when we train at 7pm during the week.

“I was really feeling it and it just felt like things weren’t quite falling into place. That’s what happened on Sunday, but we’ve reviewed it and learnt a lot from it.

“Hopefully we can put on a better show tomorrow.”

Things will be a bit cooler on the field when the Dragons and Roosters open the new Allianz Stadium, and a huge crowd is expected for the marquee NRLW fixture.

“What an honour,” said Tonegato, who once played in front of a packed out Twickenham.

“I was actually in the sevens program and we were based next door when it was knocked down, so we could see them rebuilding it. It’s exciting to see it finally come together, and by all accounts it’s stunning and there’s an epic vibe in there.

“It’s going to be a special night.”

Originally published as Role model inspiring Dally M star all way to World Cup after nine-year wait