Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Origin representative Kylie Hilder has done everything in her decorated Rugby League career: winning State of Origin; becoming a Jillaroo; winning multiple premierships in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership; and winning four Touch World Cups.
Hilder’s most recent success came on Sunday when the Central Coast Roosters beat the North Sydney Bears 16-10 in the Grand Final of the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership at Bankwest Stadium in what turned out to be a fitting end after she announced her retirement.
“There are some really talented footballers in this team, ones that have been around for a little while and some of the younger girls coming through, so it’s been a privilege for me to be able to play with them,” Hilder told NSWRL after the game.
“I came in here to help give a bit of direction to the younger players and I was just happy I was able to do that and came away with the win.
“I definitely will not be playing anymore.
“I know I’ve said this a few times but I’m happy to go out now.
“I felt I still had a little bit to offer but playing with these girls I’ve done what I need to do and I’ll look to the coaching ranks now.”
This was Hilder’s second consecutive premiership in the state’s premier women’s competition as she helped CRL Newcastle to a 24-10 win over Mounties last year where she scored a crucial try from dummy-half.
The 43-year-old made history in 2019 when Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Origin coach Andrew Patmore selected her to play hooker after missing out on selection in 2018 due to injury.
Although she won’t be donning the sky blue jersey this year, she will be assistant coach to Patmore and will be on the NRLW coaching staff at the Sydney Roosters for the second year, after coaching them at the NRL Nines earlier in the year.
