The honour of an NRLW Roosters-Dragons game being the first football match to be played at the refurbished Allianz Stadium underlines how far women’s Rugby League had come, according to Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues players Keeley Davis and Olivia Kernick.
“I think it definitely represents how much we mean to the NRL and the product that we have at the moment,” said Davis, the No.9 for the Dragons.
“We’re still building, and our comp is only going to get stronger.”
Kernick made her Sky Blues debut this year and will be in the back row for the Roosters on Friday 2 September, when the NRLW Round Three game ‘christens’ the turf at the new 42,500-seat stadium.
Their 2021 Grand Final re-match will be followed by the NRL Roosters v South Sydney clash; one of the oldest rivalries in Rugby League and the final regular season game before both clubs moved into the 2022 finals.
“It is so great for our game,” Kernick said.
“I’m sure the Roosters club need some congratulations for pushing for the women’s game to be moved there so I’m grateful for them in being persistent with that.
“When ‘Walks’ (Roosters pathways manager Craig Walker) came in and told us just before training ahead of our (Round One) game against the Eels and everyone was just really excited.”
Kernick, who is only in her second year of NRLW, said she felt the profile of women’s Rugby League expanding within each competition – club, NRLW or Origin.
“My friends – even the guys I know – come up to me and say, ‘We’re so keen to see you start playing again’,” she said.
“They’re asking questions and show so much more interest in the women’s game. That wouldn’t have happened a few years ago.”
And now for the rematch – which Davis has been counting down the days since 10 April when the Roosters won the postponed 2021 Premiership 16-4.
“We haven’t spoken a lot about it, but I know myself I’m definitely still hurting so I’m sure the other Dragons players are too,” Davis said.
“I marked this game on my calendar. I was going to get up for it anyway but having it in a sparkling new stadium just adds to the occasion.”
Kernick is unsure of what emotions will be flowing when she takes on the bulk of her NSW Origin teammates – Davis, Kezie Apps, Quincy Dodd, Emma Tonegato, Shaylee Bent and Rachael Pearson.
“I do know it will definitely tough,” Kernick said.
“The Dragons are always so hard to play as they never give you much.
“Physically we’re about the same but mentally we know what their strengths are but that doesn’t make it any easier to defend.”
Davis, as hooker, is not looking forward to tackling members of the Sky Blues forward pack including Kernick, Sarah Togatuki, Yasmin Clydesdale let alone the outside backs including Jess Sergis, Sam Bremner and Isabelle Kelly.
