Despite being only 20 years of age, Roosters NRLW hooker Quincy Dodd is determined to become a leader both on and off the field during this week's Indigenous All Stars clash.
After grabbing hold of the coveted Roosters no.9 jersey through last year's NRLW season, the dynamic rake is looking to continue her on-field rise in this week's NRL All Stars match, earning a spot in the starting side after playing from the bench in last year's contest.
Debuting in the NRLW as an 18-year-old and forcing herself into the top seventeen - which included playing a pivotal role in the send-off of a Roosters legend - Dodd reflected on her beginnings at the Club prior to her meteoric rise over the past 12 months.
“It feels amazing to be starting in the number 9. I really found my feet there last year in the NRLW at the Roosters," she said.
“I’ve been at the Roosters for three years now. In 2018 I was in the top 23, and despite not playing I was grateful for the opportunity. I learned so much and it was amazing being amongst that group of girls.
“In 2019 I was lucky enough to make my NRLW debut against the Dragons in the final round at Leichhardt Oval. Even just playing 10-15 minutes was an amazing experience which I will cherish forever.
“It was Ruan Sims’ last game, and I was lucky enough to scoot out of dummy half and put her over for a try. It was an epic memory for me being alongside a legend of the game.
“Last year I wore the no.14 and played every game which included the Grand Final. I had a great buddy in Nita (Nita Maynard) who was the starting no.9. She was amazing to play with, she put in the hard yards at the beginning of matches and I got to come on to showcase what I could do.
“It’s an awesome opportunity for me to be starting this weekend after being on the bench this time last year."
Currently in Indigenous All Stars camp, Dodd is looking to absorb as much knowledge about her family and culture as possible throughout the week.
With her family hailing from the Darug tribe in the surrounding regions of the Hawkesbury River through her grandfather's ancestry, the dynamic hooker is not only hoping to learn more about her heritage but to also pass down that knowledge to younger generations - expressing her aspirations to become a mentor despite being a younger squad member herself.
“I think a few of the girls mentioned at the start of the week that they are keen to learn and be more educated around our culture," she explained.
“We've had Aunty Grace, a guest speaker, come in who made a big impression on us with her cultural teachings, and I definitely feel like we need to pass down that knowledge to the younger generations, so I’m hoping to learn quite a bit.
I want to show the younger generations – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – that they have something to aspire to through Women’s Rugby League
Quincy Dodd Roosters NRLW player and Indigenous All Stars representative
“I want to show the younger generations – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – that they have something to aspire to through Women’s Rugby League."
With another representative clash on her hands - having already donned the sky blue of NSW in last season's State of Origin - Dodd cited her family support and opportunity to play with and against her Roosters NRLW teammates as one of the highlights of the week.
“My mum and dad are my biggest supporters," she beamed.
"They took me to every game as a junior and they come to every one of my games now when they can. Unfortunately, they can’t make it due to the protocols, but they will definitely be watching it at home on the tv.
“My mob back at home have been very supportive as well, they’ve been posting about me all over social media and they're very excited for me to represent them.
“There’s also a few Roosters players which is very exciting and great for the Club. I actually live down in Cronulla near Corban McGregor (Roosters NRLW Captain and Māori All Stars rep) so we’re pretty close.
“I saw her in the elevator before and we were having a bit of a laugh but when kick-of comes it’ll be different.
“This is the first showcase of Women’s Rugby League for 2021, I get to go out with my sisters, we fight together and we’re united together and I’m so happy for this opportunity which only comes a few times in your career.
"I want to hold onto it tight and remember every moment."
