Super W: NSW veteran Ash Hewson emotional about playing in double-header
NSW veteran Ash Hewson says playing in a ground-breaking double-header with the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium will be “emotional” but she believes the Super W competition will only continue to get bigger and better.
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NSW veteran Ash Hewson says playing in a ​ground-breaking ​double-header with the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium will be “emotional” but she believes the Super W competition will only continue to get bigger and better.
In a rare occurrence, the two NSW teams will play on the same field on Sunday afternoon when the NSW Womens team host the Western Force at 1.30pm, and then the Waratahs clash with the Melbourne Rebels straight after at 4pm.
It is the first home game for the NSW women in Super W after they dispatched Queensland 18-0 last weekend at Suncorp Stadium.
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For 37-year-old Hewson, who debuted for NSW and Australia ten seasons years ago, the chance to play at Allianz Stadium on the same bill as the blokes - and with an appreciative crowd in the house — is something she couldn’t have imagine not too long ago.
“I absolutely never thought I’d be part of it,” Hewson said. “I’m so privileged to be part of it. It is actually emotional for me. To play before the boys on a Sunday afternoon when rugby fans come out of the woodwork, it is going to be a great spectacle.”
Hewson said the opening game of the Super W competition against old rivals Queensland was “amazing”, and it set up the NSW Women well for the inaugural title.
“It was an amazing atmosphere to be able to play on that field and for all of us girls it was pretty special,” Hewson said.
“It was a really physical match. We have that old rivalry with Queensland and it showed on the field.
“I am not at all surprised (with the reaction to Super W). I am really optimistic about this competition. I knew the potential that it does have, so it is really great to see everyone getting behind us and supporting us.”
Hewson hopes young girls in the crowd at Allianz Stadium may be inspired to play XVs rugby. It is ladies day for NSW Rugby on Sunday.
“With the pathways of sevens in primary schools and high schools now, young girls are developing a love for the game,” Hewson said. “So to be able to see us, at the pinnacle of our sport on the big stage, it’s only going to encourage them more.”
The Western Force can’t be discounted as a threat — they dusted the Melbourne Rebels 85-13 last weekend.
The Rebels aren’t a strong side yet but the Force have a real danger weapon in teenager Courtney Hodder, who scored six tries.
“We won’t be taking any team lightly, we will give them the respect they deserve,” Hewson said.
“Obviously we will be trying to cut off as much space as possible for her, she is definitely a talent and one to watch out for in the future.”