Riverina's Country Championships campaign didn't end with a trophy but two of their players have been rewarded for their strong performances throughout the competition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tess Staines and Sophie Gaynor have both been selected to represent Country at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.
Riverina coach Andrew Hinchcliffe is thrilled for the pair, believing it shows how women in the region can progress in the sport.
"It is great to see that pathway for country ladies in what is a pretty significant game and a genuine State Of Origin trial," Hinchcliffe said.
"While the result on the weekend wasn't what we were after we did have a strong campaign and a really strong group so it is amazing to have two ladies identified for the Country team."
With Staines unavailable for the first game, Gaynor stepped into the fullback role this season and certainly made the most of it.
"I really loved it," Gaynor said. "It wasn't planned but I've learnt so much and now I love playing fullback.
"It was a complete new role in rugby league, I've done it in leaguetag, but it is a whole different game."
The 23-year-old hails from Temora but now lives in Wagga and is in her second season with Kangaroos.
She was surprised by her selection.
RELATED
"It is very exciting, very unexpected and I can't wait for the experience," Gaynor said.
Staines is no stranger to the representative rugby league arena, after previously being part of the first under 18s State Of Origin game.
However she's looking forward to another opportunity.
"It's very exciting as there are some pretty big names there," Staines said. "It is test for us to see where we sit."
Staines, who plays for CSU in the Southern Inland competition, has also been part of the AON 7s this series as she tries to combine rugby union and rugby league.
The 19-year-old admits she's a rugby league girl at heart but is open to any opportunity that would see her take the next step.
"I just take each hit as it comes and whatever is offered I try to take it all," Staines said.
"Getting a contract is at the top of priority list but until then I'll just keep chipping away at it."
***
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.irrigator.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News