England v Australia in Las Vegas: Amy Hardcastle previews Test
Center Amy Hardcastle said defeating Australia would be a “game-changing” for the English Women’s Rugby League.
Jillaroos is a major force in international competitions, winning the last three World Cups and losing only once since 2016.
At the club level, this strength is also obvious, where the level of investment in the NRL Women’s Premier League (NRLW) allows full-time and semi-professional players to mix together – while their counterparts in the England Women’s Premier League can spend for free or for free.
This means Australia is a strong favorite in the Test against England in Las Vegas on Saturday.
No UK or UK women’s team has beaten Australia since 2002 – a five-time defeat – but St. Helens’ Hardcastle welcomes the challenge of overthrowing the world champion.
“For me, beating them would be an absolute game changer,” she said. “And I think around the world and in our country it will change people’s opinions. Think about the power of a woman’s team.
“It will definitely change a lot of progress forward and I think a lot of goalkeepers are open to the Women’s Rugby League.”
Hardcastle, 35, is one of three players for England – along with captain Jodie Cunningham and their St. Helens Club Club teammate Shona Hoyle, who played in their final meeting with Australia, lost 38-0 at the 2017 World Cup football match.
Asked if she felt England was better now than the team then, Huddersle added: “Yes, absolutely.
“I’ve been in this squad for seventeen years and when I first started, we didn’t really play a lot of games. But now we’re more consistent.
“The Super League is getting better. I find that the pool of girls and women we choose from now on will be better because we won’t let them play in other sports because our league is getting better.
“With England’s chance, why don’t you want to be a part of it?
“So, I believe, especially when entering the World Cup, we work faster, stronger, stronger, smarter. It’s not something I’ve never believed before, but I believe we have one of the best England teams facing Giralus.”
