Before trialling for Cronulla Kelsey Hogan had never laid a tackle, but that didn’t stop her from following her dreams.
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Hogan has been selected as part of the inaugural Sharks side for the new Tarsha Gale Nines competition.
The under 18s competition will run alongside the SG Ball and Harold Matthews competitions as NSW Rugby League looks to open more avenues for female participation in the sport.
After coming through the selection process, the Kildare Catholic College student had her first training session on Thursday and can’t wait to be part of the next step for women’s rugby league.
“I didn’t really expect to get in, I just wanted to try and out and see how I went as I’ve always wanted to play league,” Hogan said.
The 17-year-old believes this is the right time to be part of the sport, with plans a elite women’s program in the works and the Jillaroos taking more of the spotlight.
Hogan has been playing leaguetag since she was a 12-year-old, but didn’t have a background in junior rugby league.
It left her inexperienced in regards to tackling, but it wasn’t a problem.
“In the trial I’d never done it before so I just had to close my eyes, run in and see how I went, but it came pretty naturally,” she said.
“I’ve now learnt a few techniques but I think there might be a few bigger girls to come up against.”
Hogan plans to travel to Cronulla for more training sessions, but for now see has brothers Jim and Jack to practice with on the family farm outside Cootamundra.