True Blue Eliana Walton has watched women’s Rugby League expand and improve since she first laced up her boots more than two decades ago, but what she witnessed in the 2023 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Grand Final will always stay with her.
Walton, who was part of the Mounties team that scored an historic 1-0 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, will line-up for them again in Saturday’s (21 September) Semi-final against Illawarra Steelers at Leichhardt Oval to try to make it back-to-back Grand Finals.
The other Semi-final is minor premiers Wenty Magpies against the Newcastle Knights.
“I literally only watched it (Gf replay) about eight months later … just to see how great that moment was because in the moment we were just exhausted,” Walton told nswrl.com.au.
“It was the fastest game I’ve played. Everyone was out on their haunches but barking orders to everyone to keep moving, keep lifting.
“It was amazing – one of the best games I’ve been a part of.
“It’s lifted the club’s spirits. It’s amazing to see how many players wanted to come here this year to be a part of this culture, a part of this team.”
A field goal two minutes from full-time by halfback Tilly Power secured a 1-0 win for Mounties.
The decision this season to run the NRLW alongside NSWRL’s premier women’s competition means a lot of top players have been drawn into the national league. But five Mounties players from the 2023 title remain – Walton is one of them and she’s enjoying the fresh injection of personnel.
“We have some girls here now who weren’t even born when I started playing,” she said.
“I’ve been at it since 2000. It’s good to see the young ones getting involved and being a part of the culture and part of the training disciplines.
“The skill level is amazing. They’ve come to Harvey Norman as complete athletes – dedicated, watching what they eat, doing all the extras.”
Walton, 39, is not only devoted to Mounties. She is a triple international having played for the Jillaroos (2013 and 2017 World Cups), a Test for Samoa in 2019 and the 2022 World Cup for Cook Islands.
She also held the Sky Blues most-capped record (10 games) until Kezie Apps claimed it in the second State of Origin game in 2023.
“I honestly genuinely love still playing, training, the whole lot,” said Walton, also a former Sydney Roosters NRLW player.
“Being around the footy environment, something inside me just comes alive. I love the smell of liniment, love the banter, putting the boots on, team song.
“I love being around the same like-minded people with the same goals, same drive. I’ve tried individual sports but it doesn’t do it for me.
“Team sport gets me every time and a genuine love of Rugby League keeps me at Mounties.
“And I’d love to go to my fourth World Cup. It’s a good incentive for me.”
Both Harvey Norman's women's Semi-finals will be streamed live on NSWRL TV.
