NT cops are headed to Hong Kong for an international rugby competition

NINE Territorians are headed to Hong Kong to contest the International Police Rugby Championships as members of the Australian Police Rugby Union men’s and women’s outfits

Police officers Dylan O'Connor-Mitchell and Taryn Amess have been selected for the Australian squad playing at the International Police Rugby Championships in Hong Kong next week

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NINE Territorians are headed to Hong Kong next week to contest the International Police Rugby Championships as members of the Australian Police Rugby Union men’s and women’s outfits.

Taryn Amess, Doris Ta’ala, Nicole Paterson, Danielle Suddaby, Maree Scott and Joanna Stephan are all women’s side representatives, an incredibly strong Territory representation for the international squad.

The women’s team is supported by assistant coach Peter Mayo and team manager Isobel Cummins.

The men’s squad candidate from the Territory is Dylan O’Connor-Mitchell.

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Aboriginal community police officer Amess said the opportunity came as a surprise but she’s eager to represent her country against New Zealand, Great Britain and Hong Kong.

“I was proud and very shocked, I didn’t think I’d be in the team but I’m here, I appreciate it and can’t wait to go,” she told the NT News.

Amess gave some insight into the secret ingredient that might explain why many of the NT’s female players are receiving recognition for their efforts.

“We’ve all got a bit of grit in us. We just want to run and have a crack, we’re Territory proud and Territory tough.”

O’Connor-Mitchell has been preparing for Hong Kong from the remote reaches of work in Ali Curung and Tennant Creek.

He’s looking forward to the cultural experience despite recent political unrest.

“It’s always an honour to put the coat of arms on to represent your country, as well as me representing the Territory and my family,” he said.

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“I know there’s a few things going on with the riots at the moment, but I’m looking forward to it. I know the Australian Police Rugby Union commission have been in close meetings with the federal police over there who’ve done a lot to make sure it’s safe for us to travel.”

“We’re playing New Zealand first up and England second, both teams will be tough to beat.”