Warwick’s own and Bulldogs talent Nat Webb aims to cap stellar year with success for Philippines

Nat Webb is in the midst of her finest rugby league season to date and the Bulldogs fullback is looking to put the exclamation mark on it guiding her beloved Philippines to victory in Sydney.

Nat Webb of the Canterbury Bulldogs in the Harvey Norman Women's Premiership. Picture: Justin Layug

She’s the inspirational leader from the town with a population of less than 13,000 who will guide a country of more than 100 million.

Nat Webb and the Philippines Sampaguitas will take on Malta this Saturday at Cabramatta with the classy fullback key to their chances of another win over the Dames.

Webb hails from the country town of Warwick in Queensland and is hoping to put the exclamation mark on her finest season in league to date.

This year has been a big one for Webb, starting out the year with the Western Cydesdales in the BMD Premiership before linking with Canterbury in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

She said the new challenge of playing interstate was made easier by the Bulldogs welcoming her in with open arms.

“It was a bit of a jump. I played BMD at the start of the year and have had a big season of footy,” she said.

Nat Webb started the year with the Western Clydesdales. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

“It was so good to get that experience of playing in the competition with and against some very experienced players.

“The Bulldogs are really professional in how they did everything and how they ran things.

“With a new coach (Blake Cavallaro) it was a good time for me to come in and play the season. They supported me in everything I did and treated me well.”

Webb started her football journey a few years ago with the Warwick Cowboys and Gatton Hawks in the Toowoomba Rugby League competition before catching the eye of those higher up after taking out TRL Player of the Year honours in 2023.

Throughout that period she has been able to represent the Philippines, with the heritage from her mother’s side something Webb holds close to her.

“The proudest part (of playing for the Philippines) is being able to put on the jersey,” she said.

“My mum moved to Australia when she was really young and lost a bit of that culture and tradition moving so young.

“Putting the jersey makes me feel closer to that heritage.

Nat Webb enjoyed a successful run with Gatton in the Toowoomba Rugby League. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I was playing in Gatton and one of the girls played for Malta who was playing the Philippines side. I told her I never heard of it.

“I looked more into it and played in the Asian Footy Fest in Brisbane and they wanted me to keep playing.”

This weekend’s fixture will be streamed and Webb can expect some feedback when she returns home next week.

“I’m a schoolteacher back at home and the students like to keep up with what I’m doing,” she said.

“When there’s a streamed game they like to let me know my stats of how many metres I’ve ran or how many tackles I missed.”

Philippines vs Malta takes place at 1.30pm on Saturday at New Era Stadium, followed by the open men.

Originally published as Warwick’s own and Bulldogs talent Nat Webb aims to cap stellar year with success for Philippines