The chance to seal the Club's first Minor Premiership is an exciting prospect but Captain Isabelle Kelly is champing at the bit to take the field on home turf this Sunday afternoon.
A host of Sydney Roosters players and staff will take to Central Coast Stadium this Sunday afternoon in the NRLW's final regular season round of the 2022 season - a triple header with all six teams taking the field in a Rugby League extravaganza.
Kelly: "There Were a Lot of Lessons From That Game"
Kelly, a Berkely Vale Panthers junior who also doubles up as the Central Coast Roosters skipper in the Harvey Norman Woman's Premiership is thrilled with the chance to take the field in Gosford.
She was also just as quick to mention the team's excitement around the three newest debutants; Shannon Rose, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa and Jada Taylor.
“I’m so excited, being a Central Coast girl having all my family and friends there to see us run out, but also for our debutants to see them play,” she said.
“I’m so excited to see Jada shine, and just be out there and showcase what she can do.
“For Central Coast Stadium, having a triple header is unreal and there are going to be so many little girls there to watch and support us. That’s super special in supporting the game.
“We’re there to do a job as well and to build off last week, so that’s what we really need to focus on.”
Taylor: "I'm So Grateful For This Opportunity"
Kelly was the hero for the Roosters in their gritty Round 4 clash against the second-placed Newcastle Knights last week - swooping on a loose pass and running 80 metres to score the match-sealing try.
The Captain says that her side will need to take plenty of lessons from that game heading into Sunday's match against the Gold Coast Titans - a team that will have plenty of motivation against the top-of-the-table Tricolours.
“That was tough,” she said.
“Unfortunately, it came down to the last few minutes for us, but in saying that I think it’s a blessing as well.
“They stuck it to us the whole game and they came out firing more than we did in the second half. That’s where we really needed to fight.
“I always say a win’s a win, but at the end of the day there are also lessons that we need to learn, and there were some lessons from that game.
“The Titans’ forward pack is something that we need to be aware of, but we need to show up and step up basically and be the best that we can be.
“It’s not going to be easy. They’re not going to give it to us, and they’ve basically got nothing to lose – they can make semis, they might not make it.
“It’s going to be a massive grudge match for sure.”
For Central Coast Stadium, having a triple header is unreal and there are going to be so many little girls there to watch and support us. That’s super special in supporting the game.
Isabelle Kelly Sydney Roosters NRLW Captain
Should the Roosters claim victory, the 2022 Minor Premiership won't be the only piece of silverware that the 25-year-old will pick up this week after being crowned the NSW Sky Blues Player of the Series.
Kelly created history by becoming the first player to receive the award in consecutive seasons, humble in her acceptance after citing the performances of her fellow teammates.
“It was super special,” said Kelly.
“I always say there were so many girls deserving of that award because I think everyone showed up on that Origin night, but to take it away I was super humble just to accept it.
“Being the second year in a row for me I couldn’t believe it and I’m super proud.”
