Roosters expect classic New Zealand football from unknown Warriors side
CLASSIC New Zealand footy. That’s what the Sydney Roosters expect from the somewhat unknown Warriors when the two sides open the season on Saturday.
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CLASSIC New Zealand footy. That’s what the Sydney Roosters expect from the somewhat unknown Warriors when the two sides open the season on Saturday.
While a number of Kiwi Ferns players signed with Brisbane and St George Illawarra for the inaugural season, the Warriors have a host of local talent among the international representatives on their roster.
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Roosters outside back Shontelle Stowers has faced Kiwi players in both league and union so is under no illusions about what these players will be capable of.
There may be players they don’t know much about, but having learnt the game in New Zealand, they will know how to play.
“We already know that there are a few key New Zealand players who have gone to the Broncos and Dragons, but I do know there are a lot of up and coming talent in New Zealand and you can never take a Kiwi lightly,” Stowers said.
“They are a country with a footy background and they have so much skill. We have to be on our best game from the minute that that whistle goes.”
It has been a short, five-week preparation for the NRL women’s teams, but Stowers emphasised that won’t affect their performance.
This year has been one of the busiest playing schedules for female players and they have no concerns about round one already being upon them.
Even though the draw is only being released the Sunday before a game, that has allowed teams to work on their own game without worrying about their opposition.
“I feel like every team hasn’t had very long to train, but we’re all in the same situation,” Stowers said.
“We’re as prepared as we possibly can be and we want to play footy.
“The focus is just worrying about our game and our plays and sets and how we’re going to play.
“I think I’ll be breathless for the first couple of seconds until that whistle blows and you get that first hit out. Then the adrenaline comes rushing through the veins, then it’s game on, ready to go.”
Stowers, a former Australian rugby representative, only took up rugby league a couple of years ago when, on a whim, she decided to trial for the Sharks’ nines program they started in 2017.
She hasn’t looked back. Now a member of the NRL’s elite top 40 squad and an inaugural Sydney Rooster she is fully converted to the 13-a-side game.
“I want to stay in rugby league for a long time. I do see myself with a future in rugby league,” she said.
“I honestly just feel so privileged to be standing where I am, at this point, where this game is changing massively.
“It’s just such a privilege to think that on the weekend, I walk out there in our jerseys, playing for the Roosters. That’s unbelievable.”