Kempsey’s Lashawnda Kelly has an exciting February ahead of her, with the dual-code rugby player travelling to the United States to play in an international rugby union sevens competition.
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Lashawnda, who grew up in Kempsey and attended St Paul’s College and Kempsey West Public School, will travel to Los Angeles and Las Vegas with the Maroubra-based South East Magic to play in the biggest invitational rugby sevens tournament in America.
The achievement is all the more remarkable because Lashawnda didn't take up rugby until 2013, when she started attending Matraville Sports High School in Sydney.
Lashawnda, who is 15 years old, comes from a family ripe with athletic ability, with her older brother Albert Kelly a former NRL and current Super League star, and her uncle being Kangaroos and Queensland star Greg Inglis.
Lashawnda said that Albert in particular had helped her hone her football skills.
“He’s helped out a lot,” she said.
NRL clubs have been quick to notice her talent, with the Cronulla Sharks selecting her last year in their under 18s girls team for the Tarsha Gale Rugby League Nines competition.
However, her young age (she turns 16 in May) meant she couldn’t turn out for the 18s; instead she was one of the first girls selected in the Cronulla Sharks under 16s development team for 2017.
Although she has excelled in both rugby codes, Lashawnda said she didn't have a preference which one she plays.
She does want to represent Australia one day, although she’s not picky as to which sport it is in.
“I don’t really mind which code, I enjoy them both,” she said.
The South East Magic are the only club from Australia to be invited to the American sevens.
Lashawnda will play in the under 16s, however she'll also probably back up for the 18s side.
It’ll be the first time she has travelled to America.
“I’ve never been before, I’m pretty excited,” Lashawnda said.
Despite attending school in Sydney now, Lashawnda still makes it back to Kempsey during holidays.
Her grandfather, Lewis Kelly, said the whole family was proud of her achievements.
“She’s going great,” he said.
“She's got some good skills.”
Lewis said he was confident that Lashawnda could one day play for Australia in one of the rugby codes.
“It’s always in the back of your mind, but you’ve got to take it one step at a time,” he said.
“We’re all pretty proud of her.”
