Olivia Higgins has twice the reason to get back on the paddock later this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Higgins not only features for Souths in the Newcastle Rugby League ladies tag competition, but also the newly formed Central Coast Roosters tackle side as part of the NSW Women's Premiership.
Toohey's News: Listen to Barry Toohey's new podcast in your Podcast app
Both seasons are currently on hold because of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Return dates of July 18 have recently been put forward.
However, with Newcastle RL relying on crowds being allowed to attend matches, Higgins and the high-flying Lionesses may be without a game if goverment restrictions aren't eased in time.
Souths have played in all three Newcastle RL women's league tag grand finals so far, winning the inaugural premiership in 2017.
"We are just waiting to see what happens with crowd restrictions, but would love to get a game in somehow even if it meant potentially playing in the Lower Hunter competition," Higgins said.
"We would be happy to play under another club banner, but if they allowed us to enter as a Souths team that would be awesome. Most of the girls just want to play and miss having fun and being social."
In terms of the NSW Women's Premiership, last year's champions CRL Newcastle didn't reform so Higgins and several teammates joined the Roosters on the Central Coast.
Higgins played dummy half in the one and only round that went ahead before the COVID-19 lockdown, defeated 16-10 by the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks at PointsBet Stadium on March 14.
Fellow Novocastrians Caitlan Johnston (two tries) and Hannah Southwell (conversion) both made the score sheet. Former Golden Boot winner Isabelle Kelly and five-eighth Bobbi Law have also shifted to the Roosters from Newcastle's squad, who were coached by Rick Stone.
Training is due to return on July 1 and Higgins described the set up as "professional".
"We had been training twice a week and had our first game against the Sharks the week before it was all called off. But training had been great," she said.
"A fair few of us went to the Roosters and a lot of the girls who played for Newcastle last year are from the Central Coast so it worked out well. Plus, the travel isn't too bad, we just car pool down there."
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS:
- Which social distancing restrictions will be lifted first?
- A flat week: Hunter coronavirus cases steady for seventh day in a row
- The moment the Newcastle Knight's legend was told he had only two years to live
- Carer, 65, accused of sexual assaults
- Knights regroup for restricted training after six-week hiatus