Howard ready for Brisbane

Despite a stellar year in 2017, during which she was selected to represent the Canberra Raiders women’s nines team, Howard made the switch to union after consulting one of her friends. 

“It was just a girlfriend of mine [who] mentioned I should have a go at union,” Howard said. 

“The opportunities with union, with the Olympics and everything, it seemed like there was a bit more of an opening there.” 

Due to her inexperience in union – Howard said that her only previous experience was playing for school in year nine – she was not expecting much from the trials, and was extremely surprised to hear of her selection. 

“I was pretty stunned actually, I didn’t expect it,” Howard said. 

“I kinda just went in there hoping to have a run and get a bit of knowledge about the game, I definitely wasn’t expecting it.” 

However, the selectors obviously saw something they liked in the way Howard played, and she found her name among the 18-woman squad heading to Brisbane. 

To be offered such a huge opportunity so early in her union career is daunting, but Howard intends to make the most of her nerves. 

“I’m obviously nervous, I’ve been nervous for the past week,” she said. 

“On the day I’ll be extremely nervous, but they say nerves only come if it means something to you.” 

The overwhelming support from her teammates has helped quell Howard’s nerves thus far. 

She expressed her gratitude towards her coaches and fellow players, and said that they have no doubts about her ability or readiness. 

“The support there … it’s amazing,” Howard said. 

“All the girls are getting behind me. The coaches obviously know that I haven’t played before and they’re just always supportive of me.

“It’s just a great bunch of people.”

The tournament itself will be played under different rules, as inferred by the title. 

The tens teams will field ten players per side, and will play short 10 minute halves, in order to provide impetus for more action and faster play. 

Still being relatively new to union, Howard was working on the basics during her trial, but she feels that the four training sessions a week with the Brumbies has helped her game. 

“[The trial] was alright, I was a bit everywhere. Didn’t really know where I was meant to be or what I was meant to be doing,” she said. “All I knew is that the main thing is to get around the ball.” 

“I’m definitely picking up on that there's a lot more movement on the field, you’re not situated to the left or the right side. You’re just moving all around the field is the biggest difference.”