Brumbies casting net far and wide

Mon, Dec 18, 2017, 4:51 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
The Brumbies will be looking at all corners for talent in the inaugural Super W season, as the side guns to be on the front runners.

From Jindabyne to Tumut, Brumbies Super W coach Tony Doherty is casting his net far and wide in search of the next women's rugby star.

Doherty has already put 45 women through their paces as they prepare for the inaugural five week season, which begins in March, but invited players from different codes and regions to try their hand at the official trial on January 13.

"It's still an open canvas," Doherty said.

"Our trials will be on 13th of January next year so it's open to everybody to come in and try it out.

"See where you fit into the actual scheme of things."Can ACT go one better in 2018? Photo: Rugby Australia MediaDoherty is of the belief the success of the AFLW, WBBL and imminent arrival of the NRL's women's competition was a driver behind the launch of Super W.

"I think the pressure from the other sports - AFL, cricket, NRL - all coming online with women's sport," he said.

"Obviously Rugby Australia has then turned around and thought, let's get on with it as well.

"It's great for us and a little bit of scrambling to make sure we get everything right but it's full steam ahead."

The competition will obviously provide a platform for Australia's burgeoning female stars but it also provides further coaching opportunities for rising stars such as Doherty.

"It's one of those that you dream for, as a coach," he said.

"You aspire to get to the top level so to get this opportunity was unbelievable.Sydney are the reigning national champions. Photo: Rugby Australia Media"The fact that it's happening in 2018 - I think that's great.

"I think for the girls themselves it's awesome that we have an elite competition that's about to start in 2018.

"The fact that they get to play as a Brumbies team and in a Super Rugby comp - that's phenomenal for them."

ACT made the national XVs final before falling to Sydney in May and that will ensure they have a target on their back come round one.

"All states are going to ramp it up, noting the fact that they're on the big stage," Doherty said.

"Our girls will take a lot of positives out of, last year, making the finals - and they will take that onto next year.

"We are out to win every game that we play."

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