Ella Ryan is ready to live out her destiny in the gold jersey after being named to potentially debut for the Wallaroos against the USA.
Ryan is one of three debutants named on the bench for Saturday's [AEST) contest in Kansas City after returning to the 15-a-side game from the NRLW.
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The former NSW Waratahs playmaker played two seasons with the Canberra Raiders.
However, the dream remains in Rugby Union, staying in the nation's capital with the ACT Brumbies.
A strong 2025 campaign had her back on the radar, working her way into the Wallaroos contracted squad for 2026.
“I think for me coming back, I've always grown up playing Union. I think my stint in the league was awesome, and I had such a great experience, but I think my heart is definitely in Union," Ryan told the media.
“Coming back, it just felt normal. It felt natural, and it sounds funny, but it was almost a calling for me to come back, and I think like everything obviously happens for a reason. I think I'm here for a reason.
“I love playing the sport. I love the friends that you make along the way, but obviously for me, I'm very stubborn and competitive. So, being in this space with the girls who've had so much experience, as well as the new girls coming through, I think they're just super empowering.
"Obviously if the chance for me comes on Friday night to get on that field, I'll just take every moment, every minute as it comes and hopefully do my country and family proud.”
Ryan has floated around the backline, set to be used as a Swiss Army Knife of sorts by coach Sam Needs.
“I grew up playing flyhalf and fullback as well as inside centre so last year was my first ever opportunity to play number nine with the Brumbies," she said.
“Coming into the Wallaroos squad, Sam [Needs] gave me the opportunity to be in that utility role and have opportunities in all different positions. That's definitely a positive for me being able to play and cover all those positions.”
She'll get the chance to debut in front of her family, who made the trip to the USA to watch her play for Australia.
They were forced to watch via FaceTime last week after they were locked out of the stadium due to lighting concerns, relying on Ryan's grandmother to film the game for them.
“My parents flew over to watch the first game as well as the game this weekend. They've been a super support network for me, whether I'm playing, whether I'm not, they just love getting around every team that I’m a part of and watching whether I am playing or not so it’s been super awesome having them here," Ryan added.
