Wallaroo Lori Cramer could barely hide her excitement as she prepares for her Waratahs debut.
Cramer has been named at fullback for Saturday's clash against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium, ending a near-18 month wait.
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Having missed last year's season outside of a starring performance for a Select XV against the President's XV, Cramer was excited to finally take the field.
“I’ve been on the receiving end of the Waratahs four-peat for a while now. I probably did all of the emotional break-up last year coming down here and training in blue for a year and a half so I’m excited to get on the field,” Cramer told Rugby.com.au.
“They’ve been a world-class organisation and the girls have a really good vibe and culture down here. I’ve got a soft spot for the Reds, I love that club as well but these girls are like family down here so I’m really excited to be here.
“For a lot of last year, I couldn’t see my friends or family so they really supported me through that time…that is why I reckon they are so successful is because on and off the field they are such a tight-knit group and they are really supported by the club, coaches and sponsors.
“It’s such a great organisation and club to play for so I can’t wait to finally get the pitch and play. I copped everything else and the abuse for moving down here so I may as well have a crack and pull on the jersey.”
Cramer admits the decision to move south came with a fair bit of stick, to say the least, especially from friends and family.
Despite this, the Wallaroo believes ultimately it will be the right decision for her future.
“I think my mom still gives me a hard time and a lot of my family do so I think getting out of there on the weekend and actually putting on the jersey, hopefully it makes it a little more conformable but yeah I’ve been copping a lot of s*** for moving down here,” she said with a laugh.
“It was probably the best move for my personal life and where I was at.
“The move down to NSW even though I was very nervous because it’s not about the money cause we’re not paid, it’s not a strategic move for cash…you’ve got to really love the people around you and it’s a bit more personal because all you are playing for is the girls around you.”
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Saturday's match will be the first Super W game to be shown on free-to-air, one of five across the season, including the Grand Final.
Cramer welcomed the move, hopeful it can help inspire the next generation in a major year for the Wallaroos and women's Rugby.
“It’s massive. I don’t know how my life would have been different watching girls play football growing up…I didn’t know I could play Rugby or Rugby league,” Cramer believes.
“I just really hope the more exposure for the women’s game, we can take the game a step further to where it probably should and could be given we’ve had such a long time off.”
