In a massive step forward for the development of talented women rugby league players in the Macleay, the South West Rocks Marlins will field a women's side for the first time in club history in the Hastings League for the 2019 season.
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Amelia Blair and Tyan Leonard have put their hands up to take the reins as co-coaches and the two are excited at the prospect of unearthing junior talent for potential professional careers in the near future.
"By creating this team, we are laying the platform for future generations who will have the opportunity to earn further representative honours in rugby league," Blair told the Argus.
"My youngest daughter, who will be eligible to play in a few years, looks up to her older brothers as role models and can't wait to play rugby league."
Blair admits the thought of a women's rugby league competition on the Mid North Coast didn't seem likely five years ago but is glad there are currently 17 women's players on the Marlins books and Blair is hopeful the number will grow in the lead up to the season kicking off.
The majority of the side has rugby league experience but there are a few players who haven't played before.
Blair said she will use the trial matches and training runs to work out the best positions for each player.
"We don't have any set positions yet as we are still figuring out how to get the most out of everyone," she said.
"We have the Bain Cup next week and that will give us a good chance to evaluate our players.
"The more experienced players are doing everything they can to help the other girls in the team."
Blair has been involved in rugby league for the majority of her life but acknowledges it will be a different feeling being on the field instead of standing on the sidelines supporting her husband and two sons, Owen and Stephan, who have a long list of representative accolades in the sport.
"I am looking forward to playing, it's been 15 years since I have played a competitive sport," Blair said.
"I have always been involved in rugby league, growing up it was always a part of our family but it will be a different feeling to be on the other side of the fence and to be out there playing."
The Marlins' women's side is expected to take to the field in a unique jersey, with the white on the strip to be replaced by pink.
Blair expressed her gratitude to all of the sponsors who have jumped on board for the season and helped make a women's team a reality.
The Macleay will have two women's sides in the Hastings League competition with the Lower Macleay Magpies, who are the defending champions of the 9s competition, also registering a team.
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