Jesse Southwell is set to follow in her big sister Hannah’s footsteps and run out for the Newcastle Knights NRLW side in this upcoming season.
The only difference? Jesse will be doing it all before her 18th birthday.
Following a successful Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens campaign for Australia, Southwell has flown home to join the Knights side and follow the same process that allowed Sydney Roosters winger Joseph Suaalii to debut at just 17 years-old.
“We went through an exemption process and had a couple of meetings like with Andrew Abdo, and I did some physical tests and that all went well,” Jesse told NRL.com.
“He wanted to make sure we knew what we were getting into, like the media, playing well and not well, we went through all those processes and they thought it was all right.
“I wouldn’t want to be chucked into a high level sport and not be ready. I think I’ll be ready. I’m eligible to play and can’t wait to get out there.”
The process included physical fitness testing, which Jesse passed with flying colours, another reason why big sister Hannah is confident that Jesse is ready for the step up.
“She’s going to have to do her time like everyone, she is young and it’s not going to be an easy pass for her but I think she’s more than capable to do that,” Hannah Southwell said.
“She’s a bit bigger than a normal halfback so I think she’s going to handle herself well. She’s played in the Commonwealth games and that’s a lot of pressure.
“For her to come back and play in the NRLW, I don’t think she’ll have any issues.
“She’s got a really good support network here at the Knights and I’m also involved as well. I think she’ll be ok. I haven’t really played with a halfback that controls a game so well.”
The duo will run out for their first NRLW match alongside one another next weekend when Newcastle take on Brisbane at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Source:: ZeroTackle
