20 May 2021
The Australian Defence Force Rugby League (ADFRL) women’s side went into the 2021 Harvey Norman National Championships at Redcliffe as an “unknown”, according to coach Sergeant Cory Lahz.
“No one really knows what skill level we’re at -- but they’re scared of our name,” he said. “We’re really going to knuckle down and show them it’s a privilege to play us.”
Held over four days, commencing today, the round-robin style competition has returned after a year off.
Corporal Ebony Allsopp lead the ADF women, supported from five-eighth by vice-captain Leading Seaman Shannon Evans.
The tri-service team was in camp at Enoggera Barracks the week before the championships and despite the team not playing together before, Sergeant Lahz said their training progressed well.
“One of the main ingredients to be successful in this tournament is to have a tight-knit group and the team is gelling together really well,” he said.
The championships are a pathway to the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition.
The team conducted NRLW testing on the first day of camp, running a 30-15 intermittent fitness test to assess anaerobic capacity.
“It’s kind of like a glorified beep test,” Sergeant Lahz said.
“The standard to go for is 17 because that’s the benchmark for top-tier women’s rugby league athletes in Australia. One of our girls, Leading Seaman Shannon Evans got 19.”
Scouts and officials also had a keen eye on players for NRLW selection.
Fullback Private Lauren Dam said the extra attention was a little nerve-racking.
“It puts a bit of pressure on,” she said.
“I think all the girls are really excited to showcase themselves and ADF to show that strengths can come from Defence as well.”
Private Julia Robinson is one example of a NRLW success story.
The truck driver from 7 Combat Support Services Battalion represented ADFRL at the 2018 national championships, her performance earning selection with the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team. Earlier this year, she was selected in the 2021 Australian Jillaroos training squad.
The ADF's first game is up against Western Australia at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe.
You can watch the games live through www.nrl.com
