Brogan Evans and Cymru captain, Bethan Dainton (pictured), are relishing the opportunity to make history and qualify for a first Rugby League World Cup.
Dainton led her country for the first time against France in the Autumn, and less than a week later, Evans made her international debut against England at Headingley.
As both prepare for the first World Cup qualifier against Ireland on Saturday 27th April, the first training block has been taking place in Cardiff following a successful trial session.
“It’s going really well” said Dainton. “We picked up 12 new players from the trials, which is really good, it just makes our squad even more competitive. No shirt is a given and people are going to have to work hard now. So it’s a really exciting time for us.
“Ireland is definitely is going to be a tough game for us, we’ve got no doubt about that. But I think for us it is just concentrating on ourselves, our processes and doing things on our terms.”
While Dainton is looking forward to a second Super League season with Leeds Rhinos, Evans is preparing to make the step up to the top flight having signed for Wigan Warriors.
She believes the increased challenges of playing against the best women in the sport will best prepare her for the international challenges that lie ahead.
“I love Salford but it didn’t give me the exposure to the levels of matches I’m exposed to internationally. I think my new club goes to the level, even in training and that sort of intensity.”
Evans not only has her sights set on making a mark in Super League but in qualifying for the World Cup, and is aware of the inspirational impact that can have on other women and girls.
“I think when you when you put on a shirt for the first time as a young girl, or when whatever point you start playing, a World Cup is the pinnacle. I think the fact we even have a women’s World Cup now is incredible.
“I want to know that if I have a little girl one day, she can put on a shirt and her aspiration can be to go a World Cup, too, and I can tell her about my time when we were part of it.”
