1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from newstalk EDB. 3 00:00:12,787 --> 00:00:17,307 Speaker 2: The Kiwi Ferns play the Pacific Championship Women's Rugby League 4 00:00:17,307 --> 00:00:21,027 Speaker 2: Final against Australia this afternoon ten to four New Zealand 5 00:00:21,067 --> 00:00:24,347 Speaker 2: Time at Combank Stadium in Sydney, looking to defend the 6 00:00:24,627 --> 00:00:27,107 Speaker 2: all they won last year when they beat the same opposition, 7 00:00:27,187 --> 00:00:31,067 Speaker 2: the jill ARUs twelve to six in the final in Melbourne. 8 00:00:31,107 --> 00:00:34,587 Speaker 2: This year, they had the fourteen nil loss to Australia 9 00:00:34,627 --> 00:00:37,787 Speaker 2: in christ Church, then went to Port Moresby in Papua 10 00:00:37,827 --> 00:00:40,147 Speaker 2: New Guinea and beat the home side thirty six nil 11 00:00:40,427 --> 00:00:43,347 Speaker 2: to qualify for the final this afternoon, Let's bring in 12 00:00:43,427 --> 00:00:47,187 Speaker 2: Kiwi Ferns Center, Abby Roach, Abby, thanks for taking the 13 00:00:47,187 --> 00:00:49,267 Speaker 2: time for a chat. How's the build up been to 14 00:00:49,427 --> 00:00:52,267 Speaker 2: this test since you arrived in Sydney after the win 15 00:00:52,507 --> 00:00:54,747 Speaker 2: over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. 16 00:00:55,707 --> 00:00:57,307 Speaker 3: Hey, it's been awesome. 17 00:00:57,427 --> 00:01:00,667 Speaker 4: I think our experience in PNG really brought us together 18 00:01:01,587 --> 00:01:04,267 Speaker 4: culturally and just it was an awesome experience what we 19 00:01:04,347 --> 00:01:06,747 Speaker 4: got to see over there and what we got to 20 00:01:06,787 --> 00:01:09,067 Speaker 4: do for the community over there, which was awesome. 21 00:01:09,107 --> 00:01:10,947 Speaker 3: So I think we really connected and we were firing 22 00:01:10,987 --> 00:01:11,307 Speaker 3: to go. 23 00:01:11,667 --> 00:01:14,227 Speaker 2: And what about on the field a thirty six nil win, 24 00:01:14,427 --> 00:01:16,947 Speaker 2: it seems comprehensive. Do you take quite a bit of 25 00:01:16,947 --> 00:01:21,187 Speaker 2: confidence from the way you played in that game as well? 26 00:01:21,787 --> 00:01:23,947 Speaker 4: I think it was definitely a tough battle out there, 27 00:01:23,987 --> 00:01:26,027 Speaker 4: and there are a few things that we wanted to 28 00:01:26,067 --> 00:01:28,947 Speaker 4: improve on coming from that game. But I think the 29 00:01:29,027 --> 00:01:31,707 Speaker 4: last two trainings that we've had, we've tried to really 30 00:01:33,027 --> 00:01:35,107 Speaker 4: pretty much. I saw the things that we've had to 31 00:01:35,347 --> 00:01:38,107 Speaker 4: try and improve on, and I think it's been really good. 32 00:01:38,707 --> 00:01:41,787 Speaker 2: What sort of improvement areas have you been encouraged to 33 00:01:41,867 --> 00:01:43,467 Speaker 2: kind of work on by the coaching staff. 34 00:01:45,587 --> 00:01:48,827 Speaker 4: I think it's just really owning our own individual roles 35 00:01:48,867 --> 00:01:50,907 Speaker 4: to kind of come together in the end. I think 36 00:01:51,267 --> 00:01:55,227 Speaker 4: that's been a massive focus, is just trying to nail 37 00:01:55,307 --> 00:01:58,307 Speaker 4: all the key individual roles to get us going all 38 00:01:58,347 --> 00:02:00,867 Speaker 4: together and just really connecting as a team. 39 00:02:01,147 --> 00:02:03,187 Speaker 2: Of course, you played Australia a couple of weeks ago, 40 00:02:03,347 --> 00:02:07,787 Speaker 2: they beat you fourteen nil. You take from that game 41 00:02:07,907 --> 00:02:09,227 Speaker 2: that'll be useful in this one. 42 00:02:12,267 --> 00:02:13,067 Speaker 3: I think it's just. 43 00:02:14,547 --> 00:02:16,427 Speaker 4: Staying in the grind and staying in the grind of 44 00:02:16,467 --> 00:02:20,467 Speaker 4: the cycle and just obviously there's going to be pressure, 45 00:02:20,467 --> 00:02:23,147 Speaker 4: but just connecting as a team and just working together 46 00:02:23,267 --> 00:02:26,187 Speaker 4: and finding that extra grit to get us over the line. 47 00:02:26,467 --> 00:02:28,427 Speaker 2: Do you take confidence in the fact that a year 48 00:02:28,507 --> 00:02:31,347 Speaker 2: ago you beat Australia in the in the final of 49 00:02:31,387 --> 00:02:33,027 Speaker 2: the Pacific Championship last year? 50 00:02:36,427 --> 00:02:38,907 Speaker 4: I think it definitely gives us confidence that we can 51 00:02:38,947 --> 00:02:41,107 Speaker 4: do it. But I think like every year is a 52 00:02:41,107 --> 00:02:43,307 Speaker 4: different year. There's new teams, there's new players, so I 53 00:02:43,387 --> 00:02:46,507 Speaker 4: think we've kind of we've kept that in the back 54 00:02:46,547 --> 00:02:48,587 Speaker 4: of our in the back of our minds, but we're 55 00:02:48,627 --> 00:02:51,027 Speaker 4: just starting fresh and we're just trying to grow with 56 00:02:51,027 --> 00:02:53,107 Speaker 4: what we have now and what we've learned this year. 57 00:02:53,547 --> 00:02:55,987 Speaker 2: All right. For you personally, Abby, I know you've played 58 00:02:55,987 --> 00:02:58,427 Speaker 2: in the centers and in the halves. Do you have 59 00:02:58,827 --> 00:02:59,507 Speaker 2: a preference? 60 00:03:01,627 --> 00:03:03,427 Speaker 3: I think definitely the centers. I think. 61 00:03:04,867 --> 00:03:06,787 Speaker 4: That's where I've kind of molded my stuff at the 62 00:03:06,827 --> 00:03:08,907 Speaker 4: moment and that's where I feel most comfortable. 63 00:03:09,547 --> 00:03:12,947 Speaker 2: And of course you've played both rugby league and rugby 64 00:03:12,987 --> 00:03:16,387 Speaker 2: as well. I know at the moment, obviously you're focusing 65 00:03:16,427 --> 00:03:19,467 Speaker 2: on the thirteens game. Does it feel like where your 66 00:03:19,507 --> 00:03:21,347 Speaker 2: future lies in the thirteens game or can you see 67 00:03:21,387 --> 00:03:24,867 Speaker 2: yourself at some stage playing rugby union again. 68 00:03:27,227 --> 00:03:31,027 Speaker 4: I think at the moment, all I'm focusing on is 69 00:03:31,067 --> 00:03:33,947 Speaker 4: rugby league. But I think I can't really tell what 70 00:03:33,947 --> 00:03:36,147 Speaker 4: will happen in the future, so I guess I don't 71 00:03:36,147 --> 00:03:36,427 Speaker 4: really know. 72 00:03:36,467 --> 00:03:39,267 Speaker 3: I guess I'm open to it, but my focus is here. 73 00:03:39,307 --> 00:03:42,187 Speaker 2: Is there anything I don't know if it's a sleek 74 00:03:42,267 --> 00:03:44,587 Speaker 2: question or not. Are there things that are transferable across 75 00:03:44,627 --> 00:03:45,027 Speaker 2: the two. 76 00:03:47,027 --> 00:03:47,787 Speaker 3: I think definitely. 77 00:03:47,827 --> 00:03:51,147 Speaker 4: I think the foundational skills of rugby, just the catch, 78 00:03:51,227 --> 00:03:56,347 Speaker 4: pass and all that stuff, is definitely referrable and transitional. 79 00:03:56,427 --> 00:03:59,907 Speaker 4: But I think the contact in league is definitely the 80 00:03:59,987 --> 00:04:01,627 Speaker 4: difference in the harder part of it. 81 00:04:01,707 --> 00:04:03,427 Speaker 3: But yeah, do you. 82 00:04:03,427 --> 00:04:06,627 Speaker 2: Enjoy that I'm not being contacted, but you know, joy 83 00:04:06,987 --> 00:04:09,267 Speaker 2: the physical contact side of rugby league? 84 00:04:10,747 --> 00:04:11,307 Speaker 3: I think I do. 85 00:04:11,427 --> 00:04:14,507 Speaker 4: I think I love just getting the ball in sort 86 00:04:14,507 --> 00:04:17,147 Speaker 4: of running, and I think in the fifteens game it's 87 00:04:17,187 --> 00:04:19,747 Speaker 4: a bit harder off I found myself to kind of 88 00:04:19,747 --> 00:04:20,587 Speaker 4: get involved in the game. 89 00:04:20,627 --> 00:04:22,867 Speaker 3: Whereas Lee you can just you can have a run 90 00:04:22,907 --> 00:04:23,387 Speaker 3: every set. 91 00:04:23,467 --> 00:04:25,867 Speaker 4: You can kind of get over your mistakes a bit 92 00:04:25,867 --> 00:04:27,827 Speaker 4: earlier because you can just get a good tackle, you 93 00:04:27,867 --> 00:04:29,507 Speaker 4: can get a good run in You. 94 00:04:29,587 --> 00:04:31,907 Speaker 2: Come from a pretty high performing sporting family. Of course, 95 00:04:31,947 --> 00:04:34,747 Speaker 2: both your brothers, Nathaniel and Paul have played for the Warriors. 96 00:04:35,267 --> 00:04:37,907 Speaker 2: How big an influence have they been on you? 97 00:04:39,947 --> 00:04:40,827 Speaker 3: They've been massive. 98 00:04:40,867 --> 00:04:45,187 Speaker 4: I think the eldest brother, Nathaniel, he really pretty much 99 00:04:45,227 --> 00:04:48,147 Speaker 4: paved the way for us. He provided so much for 100 00:04:48,227 --> 00:04:49,987 Speaker 4: us and he kind of showed us that there was 101 00:04:50,027 --> 00:04:53,387 Speaker 4: a pathway there, and he's he's been a massive role model, 102 00:04:53,787 --> 00:04:55,947 Speaker 4: I think to me and Paul, I think he's showed 103 00:04:56,027 --> 00:04:59,507 Speaker 4: us that it is, it can be done. And I 104 00:04:59,547 --> 00:05:02,507 Speaker 4: think I've drawn so much from them, just their perseverance 105 00:05:02,547 --> 00:05:03,987 Speaker 4: and resilience to keep going and. 106 00:05:04,387 --> 00:05:06,187 Speaker 3: Kind of their setbacks that they've had in life. 107 00:05:06,507 --> 00:05:09,027 Speaker 4: This has never stopped them. They're still playing, And yeah, 108 00:05:09,067 --> 00:05:11,427 Speaker 4: I look up to them so much. 109 00:05:11,587 --> 00:05:14,547 Speaker 2: And talking about resilience and setbacks. You had some pretty 110 00:05:14,587 --> 00:05:17,427 Speaker 2: serious knee injuries yourself, didn't you, while you were still 111 00:05:17,907 --> 00:05:20,427 Speaker 2: a teenager. How challenging a time was that for you? 112 00:05:20,467 --> 00:05:21,867 Speaker 2: And how did you get through that? 113 00:05:24,267 --> 00:05:25,387 Speaker 3: It was pretty challenging. 114 00:05:26,187 --> 00:05:28,307 Speaker 4: I kind of did both my acls and then had 115 00:05:28,427 --> 00:05:33,187 Speaker 4: to have further miniscus repairs. But I think it taught 116 00:05:33,227 --> 00:05:36,947 Speaker 4: me a lot. It kind of took away. I think 117 00:05:36,987 --> 00:05:39,227 Speaker 4: I from a young age, I was always striving to 118 00:05:39,307 --> 00:05:41,627 Speaker 4: kind of play footy, and I was always trying to 119 00:05:41,667 --> 00:05:44,187 Speaker 4: be the best. But I think it kind of took 120 00:05:44,267 --> 00:05:48,307 Speaker 4: the football player away and I realized that life's more 121 00:05:48,307 --> 00:05:50,547 Speaker 4: than just footy, and I had to really lean on 122 00:05:50,587 --> 00:05:52,667 Speaker 4: my faith as well to kind of get me through. 123 00:05:52,707 --> 00:05:54,867 Speaker 3: And it's kind of how. 124 00:05:54,667 --> 00:05:57,467 Speaker 4: The opportunity came up for me to play full of 125 00:05:57,547 --> 00:06:00,427 Speaker 4: QII friends back in the World Cup. And I guess 126 00:06:00,427 --> 00:06:04,067 Speaker 4: my inter LW opportunity as well came from just having 127 00:06:04,067 --> 00:06:07,667 Speaker 4: fun and I wasn't really trying to get anywhere. It 128 00:06:07,707 --> 00:06:09,867 Speaker 4: was just simply just having fun with my friends, and 129 00:06:09,907 --> 00:06:11,467 Speaker 4: I think that's when I played my best footing. 130 00:06:11,547 --> 00:06:13,547 Speaker 2: Yeah, what a great approach. Did it ever feel of 131 00:06:13,587 --> 00:06:15,947 Speaker 2: any stage that I as though you might not be 132 00:06:15,987 --> 00:06:17,227 Speaker 2: able to get back to the top again? 133 00:06:18,987 --> 00:06:19,107 Speaker 1: Oh? 134 00:06:19,107 --> 00:06:20,027 Speaker 3: I know, definitely. 135 00:06:20,067 --> 00:06:23,067 Speaker 4: Like I honestly, when I did my last knee, I 136 00:06:23,067 --> 00:06:26,027 Speaker 4: think it was like my fourth operation. I think I 137 00:06:26,107 --> 00:06:29,147 Speaker 4: was twenty one at the age or twenty two, maybe 138 00:06:29,147 --> 00:06:31,947 Speaker 4: twenty two. I was kind of done with playing competitively, 139 00:06:31,947 --> 00:06:34,067 Speaker 4: if I'm being honest, I was kind of like, that's 140 00:06:34,107 --> 00:06:34,467 Speaker 4: me done. 141 00:06:34,467 --> 00:06:37,227 Speaker 3: I've been to focus on a proper career at that stage. 142 00:06:37,307 --> 00:06:43,187 Speaker 4: But it wasn't until one of my mates, Kelly Alexander, 143 00:06:43,307 --> 00:06:44,667 Speaker 4: she was kind of like, hey, do you want to 144 00:06:44,707 --> 00:06:47,307 Speaker 4: come play? Like I think it was b grade at 145 00:06:47,307 --> 00:06:49,067 Speaker 4: that stage, like do you just want to come play league? 146 00:06:49,067 --> 00:06:51,187 Speaker 4: And at that stage I hadn't played it before, and 147 00:06:51,227 --> 00:06:53,067 Speaker 4: I was kind of like, you know what, I'm kind 148 00:06:53,067 --> 00:06:55,827 Speaker 4: of getting bored of this life. I'm just like sitting 149 00:06:55,827 --> 00:06:58,587 Speaker 4: on the sideline and like just gymming for fun. So 150 00:06:58,667 --> 00:07:01,507 Speaker 4: I just honestly just got back in for fun and 151 00:07:01,547 --> 00:07:03,867 Speaker 4: that's how it all started. So I think I probably 152 00:07:03,867 --> 00:07:05,907 Speaker 4: owe my friends a lot for getting me back into 153 00:07:05,947 --> 00:07:06,307 Speaker 4: the game. 154 00:07:06,707 --> 00:07:08,627 Speaker 2: Amazing you certainly do. We all do, I think for 155 00:07:08,747 --> 00:07:10,627 Speaker 2: having you where you are at the moment. So the 156 00:07:10,747 --> 00:07:15,027 Speaker 2: NRLW you've obviously been there with the Knights. How much 157 00:07:15,067 --> 00:07:17,787 Speaker 2: do you think playing in that competition has improved you 158 00:07:17,827 --> 00:07:18,907 Speaker 2: as a rugby league player? 159 00:07:20,307 --> 00:07:21,307 Speaker 3: Oh, it's been massive. 160 00:07:21,347 --> 00:07:23,667 Speaker 4: I think last year moving over to the Knights was 161 00:07:23,667 --> 00:07:27,627 Speaker 4: a pivotal part of my career. I think I wouldn't 162 00:07:27,667 --> 00:07:30,227 Speaker 4: be where I am today if it weren't for that opportunity. 163 00:07:30,347 --> 00:07:34,587 Speaker 4: Just I think the competitiveness and just the resources that 164 00:07:34,627 --> 00:07:37,987 Speaker 4: they have and the coaches that they have, it's just 165 00:07:38,027 --> 00:07:39,467 Speaker 4: different to club Foot you back home. 166 00:07:39,507 --> 00:07:41,787 Speaker 3: I think that was the massive change. You just learned 167 00:07:41,787 --> 00:07:42,187 Speaker 3: so much. 168 00:07:42,307 --> 00:07:46,227 Speaker 4: You're surrounded by so much talent and like people. I 169 00:07:46,267 --> 00:07:48,307 Speaker 4: was with Tamika Upton and she taught me heaps and 170 00:07:48,427 --> 00:07:50,307 Speaker 4: just was willing to share her knowledge and I think 171 00:07:50,307 --> 00:07:51,467 Speaker 4: that's where I grew the most. 172 00:07:51,947 --> 00:07:54,427 Speaker 2: And your tackle of the Year at the dle Ems 173 00:07:54,467 --> 00:07:55,187 Speaker 2: as well. 174 00:07:56,947 --> 00:07:59,747 Speaker 4: Yeah, that was kind of a surprise. I think I 175 00:07:59,787 --> 00:08:02,907 Speaker 4: was just in the right moment at the right time. 176 00:08:03,067 --> 00:08:06,187 Speaker 2: Oh man, so humble, so humble, and of course were 177 00:08:06,187 --> 00:08:08,747 Speaker 2: not Warriors are coming back into the NRLW as well. 178 00:08:08,827 --> 00:08:11,027 Speaker 2: Any chance we might see you in a Warrior's jersey 179 00:08:11,027 --> 00:08:12,547 Speaker 2: at some stage in the future. 180 00:08:15,347 --> 00:08:18,627 Speaker 3: I think yes, like definitely down the track. 181 00:08:18,667 --> 00:08:21,307 Speaker 4: I'd love to come back home and sort of be 182 00:08:21,427 --> 00:08:24,027 Speaker 4: back with my family and back where I. 183 00:08:24,067 --> 00:08:24,827 Speaker 3: Was born and raised. 184 00:08:24,867 --> 00:08:27,187 Speaker 4: And it'd be awesome because my brothers both played there, 185 00:08:27,187 --> 00:08:30,187 Speaker 4: so I think I would love to eventually find my. 186 00:08:30,147 --> 00:08:30,867 Speaker 3: Way back home. 187 00:08:31,827 --> 00:08:33,227 Speaker 2: Well, I think a lot of people over the side 188 00:08:33,227 --> 00:08:36,147 Speaker 2: of the Tasman would love that as well. In the meantime, though, 189 00:08:36,147 --> 00:08:38,907 Speaker 2: you've got this game against Australia to focus on and 190 00:08:39,027 --> 00:08:40,747 Speaker 2: We really appreciate you taking the time for a chat 191 00:08:40,787 --> 00:08:41,947 Speaker 2: to us. All the best in the final. 192 00:08:42,947 --> 00:08:44,907 Speaker 3: No, thank you so much, really appreciate it. 193 00:08:46,187 --> 00:08:48,307 Speaker 2: No, I appreciate you joining us. Abby Things indeed Abbie 194 00:08:48,507 --> 00:08:52,387 Speaker 2: Roach there Kiwi Fern's Center Australia are their opposition, the 195 00:08:52,507 --> 00:08:56,467 Speaker 2: jill Use Team to four this afternoon as they look 196 00:08:56,507 --> 00:08:59,867 Speaker 2: to defend the Pacific champ title that they won a 197 00:08:59,987 --> 00:09:00,587 Speaker 2: year ago. 198 00:09:01,347 --> 00:09:04,507 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 199 00:09:04,627 --> 00:09:07,547 Speaker 1: to news Talk said B we can from midday or 200 00:09:07,627 --> 00:09:09,547 Speaker 1: follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.