Former Sevens star Friedrichs focused on delivering Super W title to Queensland

Thu, Mar 21, 2019, 5:49 AM
Emma Greenwood
by Emma Greenwood
Georgie Friedrichs in action against the Brumbies. Photo: Getty Images
Georgie Friedrichs in action against the Brumbies. Photo: Getty Images

Georgie Friedrichs is adjusting to "normal" life.

The former Aussie Sevens player is no longer a part of the fulltime squad, has stopped travelling the world and is adjusting to working in an office.

That's where the normal life stops though.

The love for rugby runs deep in Friedrichs, who has transferred her energy to playing XVs in the maroon jersey as Queensland chase a maiden Super W title.

At just 23, Friedrichs is as much a citizen of the world as a Queenslander.

Born in Zimbabwe, she moved to Toowoomba at age eight and travelled the world while playing sevens before settling in Sydney.

Georgie Friedrichs is set to make her Super W debut. Photo: Getty Images

While she works south of the border though, Friedrichs couldn't bear the thought of playing for anyone other than Queensland and thanks to an understanding boss at J Steel Group, is able to commute interstate to train and play.

"I actually live in Sydney. I'm a sales and logistics coordinator, I started there in January and it's fulltime office life for me.

"I'm slowly getting there, getting used to being inside all day, which is killing me," she said of the transition from fulltime athlete to office worker.

"I enjoy the weekends a lot more these days.

"My work's really flexible with me playing rugby which is really helpful otherwise it would have been a lot harder.

"It is hard but I didn't want to play for anyone other than Queensland."

While she's making transitions off the field, Friedrichs is also adjusting to the structure of XVs rugby.

"I think it's a lot more technical in the lines you run, it's not just playing footy," she said.

"Everyone has a job that they specifically have to do, so just slotting in there and knowing your job, there's a bit more homework you have to do, I guess.

"I do miss the kind of ability to express yourself you get in sevens but you do have it in XVs when you get into open space."

A member of Australia's silver medal-winning Commonwealth Games team on the Gold Coast last year, as well as wider Olympic squad ahead of the Rio Games, Friedrichs still harbours an Olympic dream.

"I'm not fully contracted anymore but if the opportunity came around (to rejoin the squad), I wouldn't say no to it," the pacy back said.

"But at the minute I'm just trying to get back into a normal life, back to being a fulltime worker and playing rugby and just loving life.

"It was definitely fun because you get to see all parts of the world and make new friends.

"But it takes a toll, especially, you just get back, get into the time zone (and you go again).

"But that all comes with playing the sport. You get the good and you get the bad but the good definitely outweighed the bad."

 

With Australia set to increase its fulltime women's squad ahead of next year's expanded Sevens World Series, Friedrichs hasn't yet given up on her Olympic dream.

"It's always a carrot, it's everyone's dream to go to the Olympics," she said.

"It would still be a big dream of mine to play the Olympics, (being cut) is just a little hurdle, I suppose, in the road but I won't stop trying."

For now though, her focus is on cementing a starting spot with Queensland and playing a pivotal part in their Super W finals campaign.

After coming off the bench in her Super W debut, Friedrichs started at fullback in the Queensland women's 12-0 win over the Brumbies at the weekend and hopes she has done enough to convince coach Moana Virtue she deserves a spot for the finals.

"The (Brumbies game) was a big week in that regard, trying to secure a spot for the later games," she said.

"Hopefully I did my job and convince the coach that I get a jersey for the final games, that'd be great."

Queensland have a bye in the final Super W round of the regular season and will host the winner of the Brumbies-Rugby WA game in a knockout final next weekend.

Share
Michael Hooper is excited about the challenge of playing Sevens in Hong Kong. Photo: Nick Holland/RA Media
'Rookie' ex-Wallabies skipper Hooper ready to step up Sevens unknown
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham
'It's pretty hard to leave an environment like this': Jorgensen eager to commit future to Waratahs
Nico Andrade appointed QRU Women’s High-Performance Manager