Roosters expecting ambush in Grand Final qualifier
Author : Sam Pasfield
Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership minor premiers the Central Coast Roosters are bracing themselves for an ambush from the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Saturday’s blockbuster with the winner guaranteed a spot in this year’s Grand Final.
The Roosters ended the regular season in style with a 16-6 defeat of the North Sydney Bears and Jayme Fressard had a game to remember after scoring a double. The Roosters will boast plenty of fire power against the Sharks after naming 2019 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Under-18s Player of the Match Caitlan Johnston at prop, NSW hooker Kylie Hilder, and Roosters NRLW representatives Brydie Parker and Mel Howard.
The Sharks will also be confident after defeating the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 14-8 in Round 7 and their side is not short of up-and-coming talent including Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Under-18s centre Jaime Chapman at fullback, Under-18s winger Zali Fay in her preferred position and Jillaroo Keeley Davis at hooker.
“Us and Cronulla are very similar sides – we’re both quick, don’t have massive forwards so it’s going to be a tough match up,” Roosters captain Kelly said.
“I was out the last time the girls played them but our girls played really well but I think they’re going to bring it on Saturday and really show us what they can do.”
The Roosters are the most recent addition to the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership competition, replacing CRL Newcastle, who won the 2019 premiership and ten of those Grand Final-winning players will line up for Central Coast on Saturday.
“I’m loving being part of the Central Coast Roosters,” Kelly said.
“It’s a great bunch of girls and we’re doing well and I’m just really enjoying it and having fun so I think that’s all you can ever want. “Our forwards like Caitlan and Hannah – they’re really leading the way for us in the middle.
“It’s really exciting to see Kylie back – she really helps out a lot of the younger girls and I think everyone is playing great footy in our team, even Yasmin Meakes – she’s killing it so I love watching all of them play.”
To keep up to date with all the latest Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Draw and Results please click here Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership – Round 9 – Semi Finals
