Sharks NRL Development Officer Sam Hammond steps onto the big stage on Sunday when she takes to the field for the Australian Jillaroos in a Women’s Rugby League Test Match against the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns.
A game bringing together the two leading women’s international teams, Hammond will run out in the number one jersey as fullback for the Jillaroos for the match scheduled for WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Joining her in Australian colours will be three of her Helensburgh teammates in Maddie Studdon, Kezie Apps and Ruan Sims, with the game kicking off at 1:30pm as the curtain-raiser to the Australia v Samoa Four Nations clash.
The Women’s Test will be the first time the two teams have met since the Aussies’ victorious World Cup campaign at Headingly Stadium in the UK in July last year.
Former Premiership-winning NRL coach Steve Folkes is coach of the Australian Jillaroos.
Away from the rugby league field Hammond occupies her time as a member of the NRL development team at the Sharks, playing an important role servicing schools of the Sutherland Shire in promoting healthy lifestyles and the sport of rugby league.
For those who can’t be in Wollongong on Sunday and would like to see Hammond and the Australian Jillaroos in action, the match will be streamed live and exclusively on NRL.COM from 1:30pm.
2014 Jillaroos Team to play the Kiwi Ferns
1. Sam Hammond Helensburgh, NSW
2. Karina Brown Burleigh, NSW
3. Jenny-Sue Hoepper Cairns* QLD
4. Annette Brander Beerwah, QLD
5. Deanna Turner Mackay, QLD
6. Ali Brigginshaw Souths Logan, QLD
7. Maddie Studdon Helensburgh, NSW
8. Steph Hancock Souths Logan, QLD
9. Brittany Breayley North Ipswich, QLD
10. Heather Ballinger Souths Logan, QLD
11. Kezie Apps Helensburgh, NSW
12. Renae Kunst Souths Logan, QLD
13. Ruan Sims Helensburgh, NSW
14. Julie Young Maitland, NSW
15. Alex Sulusi Canley Heights, NSW
16. Simaima Taufa-Kauta Canley Heights, NSW
17. Elliana Walton Canley Heights, NSW
18. Vanessa Foliaki Canley Heights, NSW
Coach : Steve Folkes