The country, scrunchie defining Sharks winger’s season
Sebastian Tan |
When Cronulla winger Cassie Staples thinks about representing Fiji at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, her tear ducts start to swell.
Her country has never qualified in the tournament’s 25-year history and they’ve only got one more shot to do it.
“I’ve thought about this a lot lately, because it’s obviously coming up, and it gets me quite emotional,” Staples told AAP.
“It’s not just about my family and representing my mum, but also creating pathways for future generations to come through and be exposed to the game of rugby league in Fiji.
“There are some serious athletes out there, and they’re waiting for the world to see them.”
It would be a historic feat for the island nation if they were to make it for the first time after losing out on a direct World Cup berth through the Pacific Championships last year.
Their only route to the 2026 tournament is to win an intercontinental knockout competition in Canada.
Staples’ side will play the hosts on October 21 and if they win will face either Ireland or Nigeria for the final spot.
But before the Sharks speedster looks abroad, she’s focused on getting her first NRLW premiership ring.
That all continues on Saturday against North Queensland, where a win would send Cronulla to a preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters.
Staples has been an integral part of the squad, scoring tries and causing headaches for the opposition with her blistering line breaks.
But no matter the result, the winger is taking an interaction she had with a 12-year-old fan as a defining moment in her campaign.
“There was this little boy, and he said to me, ‘Could I have your scrunchie please?” Staples said.
“It was pink, and I said, ‘You want my scrunchie?’
“I took my scrunchie and put it around his wrist, and I said, ‘Don’t take it off’, and he said, ‘I won’t’.
“He was with his mates and just didn’t care.
“He was just completely stoked with the game and watching the girls.
“I think to myself the stigma of women’s sport is changing, and it’s just nice to be part of it.”
The Sharks will look to return to the NRLW grand final for a second straight year after going down to the Roosters last season.
AAP
