The season-ending injury to incumbent Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues fullback Botille Vette-Welsh has opened up a number of selection questions for coach Kylie Hilder.
But before the Origin mentor sits down with her coaching staff to nut out a 25-woman squad for this year’s Ampol Women’s State of Origin in Canberra, she contacted Vette-Welsh to check on her welfare.
The 25-year-old tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee playing for the Parramatta Eels in the final round of the NRLW competition last Sunday.
Hilder is aiming to name her preliminary Sky Blues squad after the NRLW Grand Final on April 10.
“And Bo definitely would have been there,” Hilder told nswrl.com.au
“It’s a big blow for us as she has been outstanding during the NRLW.”
Vette-Welsh has been a mainstay in the Sky Blues team wearing the No.1 jersey in three of the past four Origin matches (2019-2021). Corban Baxter was fullback for the 2018 win over Queensland with Vette-Welsh coming off the bench.
“I have spoken with her several times, just checking in and letting her know I’m here if she needs anything,” Hilder said.
“I also told her it was a minor setback and her best footy was still to come as she is just getting better with each game.”
Hilder is spoilt for choices for a new fullback. Baxter holds that role for the Sydney Roosters in the NRLW; Jess Sergis played No.1 for the Helensburgh Tigers in last year’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership; as did Isabelle Kelly for the Central Coast Roosters in 2021.
Then there is the emergence of 2016 Olympic Rugby Sevens gold medallist, Emma Tonegato, who is wearing the No.1 for the Dragons in the NRLW this year. She has scored three tries in five games, alongside three try assists.
“Yep I am blessed to have so many options that could fill that spot, but I will keep those cards close to my chest,” Hilder said.
She might be reluctant to break up the NSW centre partnership of Kelly on the left and Sergis on the right.
“Jess and ‘Is’ were both great last year in the centres but I am lucky in that they also both can be fullback options for me as well,” Hilder said.
“It gives me a few things to think about.”
The 2022 Ampol Women’s State of Origin will be held at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Friday 24 June.
Purchase your tickets here
