Jemma Bemrose will become a proud Wallaroo in Manchester this weekend after first catching the rugby bug at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Watching the rugby sevens unfold, with fast-paced action on the field and a party in the grandstands, was magnetic on her home patch at the coast in 2018.
What she absorbed inspired her switch from touch to be a late starter in rugby.
“I was in Year 10 at the time and one of the girls teed up a bunch of touch girls to give rugby sevens a try in school comps when I was at Elanora State High,” Bemrose said.
“I was always more of a physical touch player so it definitely suited me.”
That physical edge will definitely suit the action against England’s Red Roses when a chance comes off the bench for the flanker-lock at midnight on Saturday night (AEST).
"I guess I was just really surprised and now super excited," Bemrose said of her name being read out at the Wallaroos' team meeting in Manchester.
"I'm definitely nervous but nerves are always good. The English have a very strong reputation and have achieved a lot as a team. I want to embrace the challenge and see how I go."
Bemrose, 23, took her first steps at XVs rugby with the Palm Beach Currumbin Alleygators before the premierships started rolling in with Bond University.
Her progression to a Reds debut in 2024 impressed with her winning the Reds Rookie of the Year gong from the backrow.
At 22, she was named the youngest-ever Reds women’s skipper in 2025 when she co-captained with Ivania Wong.
That responsibility has brought out the best in Bemrose because she’s had to work on it like she has on all areas of her game.
The way she fought back from debilitating syndesmosis and Lisfranc injuries just to start this season on schedule is a measure of her determination.
That includes all those journeys up and down the highway from the Gold Coast to Brisbane for training and rehab sessions.
Playing for the Wallaroos seemed distant in the toughest moments but the ambition was always there.
"It's definitely been a goal for sure. Obviously, the last 18 months have been hard with back-to-back injuries, two surgeries, but I guess I have always had hope," Bemrose said.
"Two years ago, I sat down with 'Frase' (Reds women's coach Andrew Fraser) and he asked me what my goals were. This was my main one.
"To see it come to fruition is that bit sweeter. I have had a lot of support from my support group, the Reds and Frase. Making sure I'm mentally ready to play has been something I've worked at."
Of course, her closest Bull Sharks teammates from Bond were straight on the phone with messages of congratulations.
"My phone was blowing up. It's great to have that support," Bemrose said.
Fraser is delighted for Bemrose and what she represents.
“Resilience is one of our Reds values. Jemma has been exceptional from the get-go at training last October.
“For Jemma to come back from those two injuries and lead as she has as skipper this year has been superb.
“She is mature, has great poise when she speaks and she’s a very clever footballer.
“For her to be one of our leading ball-carriers and tacklers on top of her lineout skills showed how much she contributed during Super Rugby Women’s.
“The Reds invested in a leadership program this year and I’m sure Jemma got benefit from that. She’s definitely mentally tough.
“I hope this Test in Manchester is the beginning of a long career in gold."
