Bega rugby league star Kezie Apps is going from strength to strength.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Dally M winner has been described by coaches as Australia’s best player and was recently named the Swoop people’s choice winner for best female performance in 2016.
League performance manager Jamie Feeney has plenty of faith in the Bega player.
“She turns up to all of our sessions, is a real leader and was one of the three best players for NSW in the Origin match. She’s the all-round package,” Feeney said.
“Her commitment is second to none … I coached the boys’ country side as well and she is as tough as any male player.”
Her commitment is second to none … I coached the boys' country side as well and she is as tough as any male player
- Jamie Feeney
But there has been very little time to reflect on her latest acknowledgement, after being named in both the Jillaroos squad for the Auckland Nines and the All Stars women’s line-up.
The Auckland Nines is coming up fast with matches to run from February 4.
The Jillaroos have named a 16-player squad to compete at the contest and coach Brad Donald said it marked the start of a big year.
“This is a big year for the Jillaroos, with a Test Match and the defence of the Rugby League World Cup,” Donald told NRL media.
“The Kiwis beat us at the Nines last year and the entire squad has been training hard to ensure that we are prepared to turn the result around in 2017.”
He continued to say the team is looking forward to the challenge with just one debutant called up for the New Zealand task.
However, Apps will feature as one of only a few veterans for the All Stars lining up against some of the country’s best Indigenous players.
She will go into the match alongside regulars Sam Bremner and Ruan Sims, while coaches have named six debutants for the headline match.
Coach Rob Brough is bringing some new talent into the team, with Apps remaining one of the powerhouse players to retain a spot.
"We've picked a squad with a combination of strength and experience, along with some of the next generation of female stars," Brough said.
"It's fantastic to have such depth amongst women's rugby league and the team is building nicely ahead of their All Stars title defence against the Indigenous Women’s team.
The Auckland Nines will run across February 4 and 5, while the All Stars clash will be held February 10.