The Sydney Roosters' NRLW contingent is over the moon at the prospect of becoming the first side to step onto the brand-new Allianz Stadium turf - and in doing so, they will create a legacy that will resonate in the Women's game for decades to come.
While the NRL match between the Roosters and arch-rivals South Sydney has dominated headlines, the Round 3 NRLW clash and 2021 NRLW Grand Final rematch will be centre stage as the very first sporting event at the new venue at 5:40pm.
Kelly: "We're Creating History"
Coincidentally, the Roosters and Dragons opened the original Sydney Football Stadium way back in 1988, and while the Tricolours will be aiming to avoid a similar result, Friday night marks a shifting of the guard in the popularity and reputation of the Women's competition.
Captain Isabelle Kelly - a member of the side that took the field on the old venue's final matchday in 2018 - says that the occasion will not only give her teammates a chance to step onto a world-class venue for the first time but presents an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on future stars of the NRLW.
“It’s huge, I think it just goes to show that the Roosters are backing us to start and go onto that field for the first time,” Kelly said.
That’s just amazing – one day when us girls take our kids or our family or friends there, we’ll be able to tell that story that we were a part of history.
Sam Bremner On opening Allianz Stadium
“Being the first team to go out there is super exciting. A lot of the girls haven’t played at a stadium like this before, so to be able to do that and create history and showcase what we can do in front of the Roosters fans is really exciting.
“I’m really excited for us because it’s a home game as well, we haven’t had one yet (this season) so to have the support and the Roosters family there is going to be special.
“I wasn’t sure if we were able to get tickets because it’ll be packed out but I can’t wait for my family and friends to witness what we’re doing out there.
Bremner: "I'm Enjoying Playing With the Entire Team"
“For little girls to look up and see that we’re now playing on the big stages and we’re showcasing what we can do at such a prestigious stadium at Allianz, we can’t wait.”
Originally billed to be played on Sunday at Leichhardt Oval at the downright neglectful timeslot of 6pm, the Club's hierarchy got to work to ensure that the Tricolours got the chance to create their own slice of history in a sell-out at home.
Veteran Sam Bremner, who will take on her former side for the first time, spoke passionately about the Club's backing to ensure the NRLW team had the match moved to Friday night at home.
“I think it’s such a compliment to us ladies that the Roosters have even thought about doing that for us," Bremner said.
“We wouldn’t have even thought of it ourselves; we would have assumed it would have been the men and they would have deserved to do that, absolutely.
NRLW 2018 Round 3 Highlights: Roosters vs Dragons
“We were surprised by Craig Walker (General Manager of Football Programs) to tell us that would be happening and that we’d be the first team ever to play on that field.
“That’s just amazing – one day when us girls take our kids or our family or friends there, we’ll be able to tell that story that we were a part of history.
“I’m sure that will really contribute to what a good feeling it will be on game night and the momentum we’ll have running out onto the field knowing that we are making history.”
Twenty-two-year-old utility Jocelyn Kelleher, now in her third season in the Red, White and Blue, says that Friday night marks a unique opportunity for the side, one that might not have come in the previous seasons.
“Honestly, we can’t believe it,” Kelleher said.
“We’re in awe that we get to have this opportunity and it’s one of the best opportunities we’ve had.
“We’re so excited and to hear that it will be a big crowd, we’re just ecstatic. It’s going to be such a good night.”
