Rugby league’s American push has paid its first dividend, with USA rugby sevens expertise Liz Tafuna penning a contract with the Sydney Roosters’ NRLW aspect.
The New Zealand-born, California-based 21-year-old will hyperlink up with the Roosters earlier than their pre-season begins in June, after starring on the NRL’s expertise mix in Las Vegas forward of the season-opening double-header.
Tafuna, who has performed rugby union for the USA together with sevens, is in line to turn out to be the primary American to play within the NRLW.
The Tricolours’ NRLW coach John Unusual stated Tafuna’s pace, footwork, ball expertise and toughness stood out.
“Most significantly, Liz has demonstrated an enormous want to check herself within the NRLW and I’ve little doubt that with onerous work she will be able to have an ideal influence on this 12 months’s NRLW competitors,” he stated.
“I count on her to contribute, together with our complete squad, to what we’re constructing right here on the Roosters.”
Mix winners Megan Pakulis and MarCaya Bailous may observe Tafuna into the competitors, every touring Australia late final month and taking part in within the Nationwide Championships whereas additionally visiting NRLW golf equipment.
Tafuna stated the dearth of cash in American rugby made leaping to the NRLW a practical choice and extra compatriots may observe her lead.
“I knew slightly bit simply from studying [the NRLW] is one thing that is there, however then after they actually defined it I could not even think about that for the ladies’s rugby recreation, that they will get this a lot safety living-wise,” she advised AAP on the mix final month.
“When [the combine] got here, I used to be like 100 per cent … I am not dedicated to union, I am dedicated to footy.
“Any type of footy, I find it irresistible, and I really like having a crack at it.”
Tafuna recalled her preliminary impressions of rugby league, saying it mixed the house of rugby sevens with the contact of 15s.
“I’ll solely have watched league and I do know there’s extra ins and outs of it … however, like, in case you guys chuck me on the wing, I am going to give it a go,” she stated.
“I understand how to run onerous and I understand how to sort out … I used to be like, ‘On the finish of the day, that is it.’
“After I discovered my footing within the first 20 minutes. I used to be identical to, ‘OK give me the ball, I will have a go.'”
It’s a increase for the Roosters, who missed final season’s NRLW decider after being shut out 12-0 in opposition to Gold Coast within the semifinals.
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AAP
