NSW Waratah’s mum Pauline Piliae chasing Wallaroos spot at rugby World Cup

She’s a former netballer turned Waratahs footy gun with her own cheer squad and dream of playing for the Wallaroos at the delayed World Cup.

Amanda Lulham

@amandalulham

2 min read

March 4, 2021 - 3:35PM

NewsLocal

Pauline Piliae and her youngest son. Pic: Supplied.

Sport

Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.

When Pauline Piliae rocks up to a game she come equipped with her own cheer squad.

The Waratahs squad member from Sydney’s west is a mother of two boys under the age of six who love watching their mum cut it up on the rugby field.

Waratahs player Pauline Piliae in action. Pic: Karen Watson

“Jireh-Pita is five and Jezrahiah is two,’’ said Piliae, who has aspirations to be representing the Wallaroos at the postponed World Cup next year.

“They love rugby. They have always been around it and they enjoy watching me.

“I love having them on the sidelines. They learn and love getting involved and it makes me happy to see they enjoy it.’’

The Two Blues Western Sydney player said she hopes mothers seeing her play the game will encourage more women to have a shot at sport.

“I see a lot more mum’s playing now which is really good,’’ she said. “I’d love to see more too.’’

Pauline Piliae and her young family. Pic: Supplied.

Born in Mt Druitt and now based at Blacktown, former Fairfield netballer Piliae said she has wonderful family support to play the game.

“I have a lot of support for my rugby. My partner is 100 per cent supportive and so are my family,’’ she said. “My two sisters help me with babysitting as well.

“But I’m the first person in the family to focus on rugby.’’

Piliae made the Waratahs squad for the first time last season and played all rounds bar one.

She is also involved in Creating Chances, a rugby program in schools to held children with their skills.

The Wallaroos hopeful in action in a Super W exhibition match between NSW Womens and Fijiana Women last year. Pic: Karen Watson

Her goal for this year is to remain with the Wallaroos for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

“I have been selected into the Wallaroos train-on squad and the goal is to stay in there and works my way up to the World Cup team,’’ she said.

“That’s the ultimate goal.’’

On Thursday Piliae was named in the Wallaroos squad heading to Canberra for a training camp and a series of matches still to be revealed following the postponement of the World Cup in New Zealand due to coronavirus.