History maker Ally Bullman chases her second Tarsha Gale Cup title on the road towards the NRLW
Roosters Indigenous Academy enforcer Ally Bullman uses her historic Australian Schoolgirls jersey as future motivation. Now she is eyeing off a second Tarsha Gale title and an NRLW spot.
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WHEN Ally Bullman runs out onto Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, the rising star will take another prominent step in her rugby league journey.
The captain of the Roosters Indigenous Academy Tarsha Gale Cup side, Bullman is chasing her second-straight title as they club eyes off a hat-trick.
A constant desire to better herself and her teammates is a big reason why she was recruited to join the tricolours in 2022 and scouted by Blake Cavallaro.
“I started playing league when I was 14 after coming across from Rugby Sevens,” she said.
“My family has always been a league family, and (Roosters coach) Blake was there to support me coming over and made me enjoy my footy a lot more and helped grow my knowledge of the game.
“I started out with soccer but was too aggressive for that.”
Ever since joining the Roosters, Bullman said she has felt at home with her surrounds and the people around her, helping her to play her best football.
“I’m so grateful to be at this club. They treat me so well,” she said.
“This group of girls is so close, we’re like a giant family. The coaching staff pulls it all together and makes it such a good experience.
“I started last year (with the Roosters) and I’ve love learning different positions and becoming a leader in the group helping the young girls learn more about the game.
“I love playing lock, but this year I’ve been in the second row and that’s helped me learn a lot.”
Her undoubted ability led to the biggest achievements of her career to date last year, making the first ever NSW and Australian Schoolgirls teams.
The green and gold serves as an inspiration for Bullman, and a constant reminder to keep dreaming big.
“It was the best. I always had a dream of wearing an Australian jersey and I was lucky enough to have that opportunity,” she said.
“Hopefully it’s something I get to do again. It was something so special and I don’t forget it.
“I have my jersey framed up on my wall, and I look at that and visualise hopefully how the next few years will go.
“I realise how blessed and lucky I was to have that opportunity, and to be able to pave the way for the future generations of girls (in those teams).”
Naturally Bullman has attracted interest from NRLW scouts looking to add a highly promising youngster to their ranks, and she said that’s a level she wants to take on later in the year.
“This year I hopefully want to play NRLW,” she said.
“There’s a few clubs interested, but for the moment I just want to get through the Tarsha Gale Cup and hopefully bring home another title.”
Her current club coach believes she has what it takes to make the grade, as she continues to rise to every challenge.
“The jump from Tarsha Gale to NRLW is a big one,” Cavallaro said.
“But I feel she has the work ethic to work really hard and get herself to that level. If she can mentally handle it, she will be able to play at that level for sure.
“She’s gone along in leaps and bounds. She came to us as a dummy half and we’ve given her opportunities to play with versatility, and she’s developed her skills quite well.
“She had a breakout season last year and got the rewards.”
The Roosters face off with the Newcastle Knights this Saturday for a chance to advance into next weekend’s grand final.
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Originally published as History maker Ally Bullman chases her second Tarsha Gale Cup title on the road towards the NRLW
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