The games formed the selection for the Southern Country team, which will lead to selection for the NSW Country Women’s team and possible NSW State of Origin and Jillaroos jerseys.

Logan Davis, Emily Banks, Taylor Frost, and Gabrielle Suckling from the Magpies were in the Canberra squad.

Suckling also captained the team, which played three games on the day against Western, Riverina and Illawarra.

Suckling said they played well despite it being only the second time as a group.

“Today was a slow start, but throughout the day, we started to play more as a team.

“Our defence in the last game was a lot better, but there’s always room for improvement,” she said.

Asked about the opportunities in rugby league, she said women’s sport was increasing.

“It’s good now, the rugby league is everywhere.

“There are so many different pathways so girls can play anywhere. Every girl out there has that chance now to eventually go far,” she said.

Canberra coach Sharleen Coomber said the team put in a good fight.

“We had a lot of distractions during our preparations, but it was a learning curve for them.

Coomber said Yass hosting this type of event was good for young players.

“The opportunity to take what they learn from the rep squads and apply it to their clubs, it adds to their development,” she said.

The Southern Country team will be announced on Wednesday, March 28 to take on Northern Country on Saturday, April 14.

The Country side selected from that trial game will then take on City at Mudgee’s Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium.

It will be the curtain raiser to the round 11 NRL match between the St George-Illawarra Dragons and Canberra Raiders.

Selection in the NSW Women’s State of Origin team will follow.

The Country Women’s side will also compete in the new National Championships in June for selection in the Australian Jillaroos squad.

CRL female participation officer Kylie Hilder believes it is an excellent opportunity for players to transition into the representative pathway.

“Yass could be the first step some of these women take to not only get picked to represent Country, but also NSW or the Jillaroos,” Hilder said.

“CRL initiatives like the Women’s Nines, as well as the new national structure, have created a direct pathway from regional grassroots to the Jillaroos, so it’s a really exciting time for female participants in rugby league,” she said.