'I've learnt to be more selfish': How Studdon got back on track

NSW halfback Maddie Studdon rarely gets into on-field arguments but her frustrations as a Sydney Rooster were on show as things spilled over in her final games of the inaugural season.

There weren't too many players that were left feeling down by the experiences of the NRL Holden Women's Premiership in 2018 and Studdon knows she was in the minority to be left searching for answers.

The former Blues captain, who lifted the Origin trophy last June in a history-making moment for the women's game, was only told weeks ago that even her position in the State side was considered under threat.

"I was a bit too structured and not backing myself," Studdon told NRL.com.

"I had a lot of people in my ear. I took a lot out of the experience of not playing those final few games for the Roosters. My confidence went down and I was thinking about other players except myself.

"At that level it's about playing direct and eyes up footy. As a half it can be a really simple game but I made it difficult at times. I've got to be smarter."

Studdon made the decision over the summer to move from South Sydney in the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership to the Cronulla Sharks.

The club switch has already paid dividends.

Coached by Glenn Brailey, father of NRL pair Jayden and Blayke, the Sharks sit comfortably in the top four of the competition but more importantly, Studdon is back to her career best and was retained at halfback for the Blues.

"The professionalism Glenn brings to our team is excellent. He really gets into us about doing the simple things right and holds a lot of our players accountable," she said.

"Physically and mentally I'm feeling good. Last year was a tough season but I've had a fresh start playing footy at the Sharks.

"I've learnt to be a little bit more selfish and playing real footy. It's step-by-step, I've just got to play consistent good footy and hold my own."

Despite losing the Blues captaincy to teammate Kezie Apps for next week's clash with Queensland at North Sydney Oval, Studdon remains a vital player in the quest for back-to-back wins.

Studdon will link with St George Illawarra in the second NRLW season starting in September.

"She's showed with some support around her that she can run the ball and organise the field," Blues coach Andy Patmore told NRL.com.

"You can see her growing in confidence and I think she's really relished some changes in her game at the moment."