Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens player Brooke Walker is hoping to mark her World Series debut with a tournament win in Atlanta this weekend.
The 19-year-old, set to don the yellow jersey for the first time at the Fifth/Third Bank Stadium, has been selected by Women’s Head Coach Tim Walsh after being granted her Australian citizenship a fortnight ago.
“I’m pretty excited but nervous at the same time,” said the playmaker who was announced as a contracted player in December. “Hopefully I can get out there, get my nerves out the way and go back to the basics I practice day in, day out. I just want to play some good footy.”
Owing to her Touch Football background, Walker has already played with several members of the current national squad.
“I’d like to think playing with some of the girls will be almost second nature to me. I’ve played with a few of them before – Charlotte [Caslick], Chez [Emilee Cherry] – and hopefully they can give me a bit of confidence to do my job and distribute the ball.
“We’re definitely looking to win the tournament – that’s the number one goal – but we also want a top four finish in Atlanta that will help us qualify for the Olympics, that’s another one of our goals.”
Australian has been drawn in Pool B alongside Fiji, Spain and France, with Walker identifying the latter as one of the major threats. “They’re pretty physical and strong in defence, but hopefully we can stick to our game and spread the ball about.”
Broadcaster FOX SPORTS last week confirmed they will show Finals Day LIVE on Foxtel Channel 501. Fans can watch both days play LIVE via www.worldrugby.org/womens-sevens-series/
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens fixtures for Atlanta, USA on 15-16 March (AEDT):
Australia v Fiji, Pool B, 3.00am (AEDT), 15 March
Australia v Spain, Pool B, 5.44am (AEDT), 15 March
Australia v France, Pool B, 8.28am (AEDT), 15 March
