NSW Sky Blues players conduct schoolgirls clinic in lead-up to Origin

Sky Blues players inspired by the next generation coming through

Author: Margie McDonald
Timestamp: Sat 27 May 2023, 06:22 PM

Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues forwards Sarah Togatuki and Kennedy Cherrington saw first-hand the commitment to the women’s game by the next generation of young Rugby League players.

The pair were blown away by the fact most of the 150 schoolgirls, who signed up for the Harvey Norman-sponsored clinic at NSWRL’s Centre of Excellence on Saturday, had played for their junior clubs earlier in the day.

“That really inspired me because they still turned up, even though they felt a bit sore,” Togatuki said.

“And some came from down in Wollongong, or the Sutherland Shire, and out west too. So they had two-hour drives to get here.

“They were so enthusiastic and wanted to get really involved – it was fantastic.”

It was a welcome change of pace for the Sky Blues team, who are preparing for the opening game of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin series at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium next Thursday (1 June).

Sarah Togatuki signs autographs at NSW Sky Blues clinic

Cherrington’s eyes lit up at some of the passing and tackling skills she witnessed.

“An amazing day – we were showing them some footy skills but it was more like they were showing us up,” Cherrington said.

“They are so talented. It is so unreal to see how developed they are with what they can do. What I was learning at 12 and 13, they are expert at by eight and nine.

“They’re getting younger and younger and better and better and that’s just a lot of credit to the pathways and foundations that we have in the game.”

Taliah Fuimaono with junior players a NSW Sky Blues clinic

Togatuki, who is lining up for her fourth Origin match, plays for the North Sydney Bears in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership. One of the Bears feeder clubs is the Hills Bulls and there were players from the club at NSWRL headquarters today.

“It was just so cool to seeing some of those girls here and getting to talk to them – recruitment for the game seems to be going well,” Togatuki said.

“A lot of the girls and their families I spoke too were complimenting us on what a well-run afternoon its was. That’s thanks to Harvey Norman and NSWRL.”

The afternoon began with a Q&A session with the players.

“I also liked the girls questions at the start, when they asked who our role models were because we are theirs… it’s very humbling,” Togatuki said.

“I love saying that I can finally be a role model for the next generation of girls.”