WINDSOR Wolves women’s team co-captains Monie Reed and Emily Rains have wanted to play rugby league at Windsor for years and have seized on the chance to play for the club.
The Wolves, for the first time in many years, have fielded a women’s, and the players are determined to make the most of it.
Reed said it was a fantastic feeling to play for Windsor. Her little brother played for the Wolves, and she managed his team, while many family members are a part of the club.
However, Reed had to be content to watch from the sidelines, despite a desire to play herself until this season, after years of asking the Wolves to start one.
Rains too was in a similar position. She had grown up desperately wanting to play league, but was not allowed until she turned 18.
“I've had a footy in my hands ever since I was little,” she said.
"I played as soon as I could. I just wanted to do what the boys were doing, I played austag but I wanted to take it to the next level.”
Both Reed and Rains have played league at other clubs, but like the rest of the girls in the team, jumped at the opportunity to play for the Wolves.
Reed, one of the second-rowers, said the group of girls, who for the most part did not know each other prior to joining, had quickly become a team.
“I feel confident with every single girl in this team. We are a true team,” she said.
“The vibe in the group is amazing. Most of us have only known each other since the start of the season. We're all strangers but you wouldn't think it.”
The results have showed on the field too. The Wolves have won their opening games of the season, putting their opponents to the sword.
“We've had good wins, pretty big scorelines, but the season is far from over and we don't want to get comfortable,” said Rains, the team’s halfback.
Rains has not played league in a few seasons. When she last played, it was with the Minchinbury Jets, and she said the league now was chalk and cheese from what it had been.
“The skill in second division has gone up dramatically. It is not just smashing each other, there is plenty of skill,” she said.
Club members have noticed the skill as well. Reed, who has earned the nickname of ‘The Axe’, said the team seemed to be gathering a cult following within the membership at Windsor.
“We've got such a following. We don't know them, but people are coming up to us and telling us how much they're enjoying watching us play and it is nice to hear,” she said.
Rains added that the team was filled with great players, who could play at higher levels.
