Bega rugby league star Kezie Apps flies out to Auckland Friday after a training camp with the Jillaroos in Brisbane this week.
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Apps said she “treat herself over Christmas” so has been working extra hard in preparation for the Nines.
“We’ve had a two day camp before flying out to New Zealand on Friday,” Apps said.
“I’ve only just slowed down my training in this last week coming into camp,” she said with a laugh.
The Jillaroos will play a best of three series against the Kiwi Ferns, which the Aussie side lost last year.
The Ferns are a formidable side, boasting more size than their Australian counterparts.
“We know they are big and that we shouldn't run straight at them or we will get dominated,” Apps said.
“But we’ll try and work the ball around to make them work hard and capitalise with our quick girls when they get tired.”
Apps is in her second year with the squad and is more comfortable on the field.
She said the side had a great affinity and would look to utilise that in out-pacing the New Zealanders.
Jillaroos coach Steve Folkes commended the teamwork of his charges going into the 2016 contest.
“The team has consistently worked together and supported one another on and off the field and the results speak for themselves,” Folkes said.
Team captain Steph Hancock said she had no doubts it would be a physical contest when the Jillaroos meet the Ferns once more.
However, she said the Aussie girls play their own brand on football and wouldn’t back down.
“We’re a committed bunch of girls and we play tough rugby league whenever we take to the field,” Hancock said.
Hancock was renamed captain of the Jillaroos last month and will lead from the front as prop, while Apps will pull on the number 13 jersey for the side.
Apps said she wouldn’t have any pre-match prime up, but just a level head and a quiet sense of calm and confidence.
“I've just got to go in with a positive mindset and believe that all my hard work comes down to this moment,” she said. I’ll also be trying to forget about the massive crowd and the people at home watching and focus on the game!” she said with a laugh.
Anyone with Austar and Foxtel will be able to catch the matches televised live. Games will play at 2pm on Saturday and 2.05pm and 3.45pm on Sunday.
“I'm really excited to go over there with other locals , Adam Elliot and Dale Finucane! It's going to be the best experience and I cannot wait,” Apps said.