Jessie-Jane Abnett has represented Australia in Tag 20 against a very strong New Zealand outfit.

Despite the opposition, Jessie scored two tries across the series and has now been ear-marked for higher honours in the future as well as receiving accolades from the opposition.

The young gun told the Times, “It’s like a cross between League Tag and Union, and I got into the Australian side, which I just played on the weekend.

“There was an Indigenous side and they were looking for recruits. My coach from Union was sent the information as it’s a form of Rugby and he then said I was the only Indigenous person that he knows that plays in our team and to have a crack at it.”

“I went down to Sydney and trialled for the side and got in and kept training at Campbelltown.”

Jessie was meant to continue training but spent a short time in hospital which disrupted her training.

Despite all of this, Jessie impressed and the coaches who watched the trainings and quickly realised her abilities as well as her physical condition which is needed in the tough sport.

“We played New Zealand in a test series, five times over the two days and they had a very elite side.”

“They got over the top of us in all of the games. We had a couple of close ones where it was like 18-8 or a little bit closer.

Jessie had a great time representing the indigenous side and will look to continue to do so when the opportunities arise.

“The experience was amazing. It was really good to have girls from all over Australia. The only girls from out this way was myself and a girl from Forbes. Playing at that level was pretty cool. Running out with the flag and watching the New Zealand Haka was a great experience.

There were a number of different categories, including, ladies, mens, mixed, and juniors. Jessie’s team was open women’s. She said they also have masters for over 30s.

 

Jessie with some of her teammates.

“I scored two tries in the games and they were pretty intense games with New Zealand dominating. You stood out if you got a try because we were getting pummelled in a some of the matches, but we kept going. I got a try in our second game and a try in our grand final against them. They asked me to represent in September for State of Residence, so I should get to play for NSW and I get to go to New Zealand next year in January. I only found that out yesterday. State of Residence will take place at the Gold Coast.

Jessie has become fond of the sport after recently competing alongside Olivia Howe at the Kiama 7s in Rugby League where both ladies performed extremely well.

“It’s a pretty good sport as there’s a try zone, there’s a normal try line and in the corners there’s boxes that are worth more points and there’s individual players like power players. I mainly played centre and link.

Jessie thanked her mother Lyn for coming and supporting her, as she kept it pretty quiet and didn’t really tell anyone she was going.

Congratulations to Jessie-Jane Abnett who has done her town, her club, her family and her people proud.

The Harden Hawks will be holding a huge day of Rugby League at McLean Oval today with juniors commencing in the wee hours of the morning Saturday April 27, before two quality games of senior football will take place.

The Hawks will take on the Bulldogs in the League Tag at 2:25pm before an ANZAC Commemoration Service, followed by the First Grade men’s side at 3:40pm. Bar and Canteen facilities will be available and spectators are asked to support the club.

It will be a fantastic day of Rugby League with both teams playing for the Peter Leitner Cup and in memory of our fallen soldiers, men and women in our ANZAC history. A bagpiper will be on hand, as will special jumper presentations, and the anthems from both countries. Don’t miss an excellent afternoon.