The Broader Game: Raecene returns after freak post-try accident

Post-try celebrations are often not the catalyst for suffering an injury but for Kiwi Ferns playmaker Raecene McGregor, a proud family moment almost proved costly. 

McGregor will return to the field for the Wests Tigers in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership on Saturday after she was rested for the opening month of the state competition due to a shoulder injury. 

The Kiwi international suffered a dislocated shoulder while celebrating her younger sister Page's try in the Harvey Norman All Stars clash in February.

"I ran in to give someone a hug and someone came from behind and hit me in the back of the shoulder and it popped out and then back in," McGregor said. 

"I was able to get through the game but it was quite tough returning to training after that match.

"It was pretty annoying that it happened like that and not in the game but it's good to be back now."

McGregor, who has split her time between the Wests Tigers and Broncos (NRLW) over the past two seasons, has avoided surgery and will reunite with Page for just the second time in their careers for the side's round four clash against Helensburgh on Monday.

Page is widely considered as a star of the future with the former Bulldogs Tarsha Gale Cup player eligible to play for both the Jillaroos or Kiwi Ferns through the siblings' parents.

Despite not featuring in the NRLW last season, Page has frequently rubbed shoulders with the likes of Charlotte Caslick, Ellia Green and Evania Pelite in the Australian rugby sevens program.

She was the second-youngest player to earn a full-time contract in the rugby sevens program behind another league convert, Tiana Penitani, who was 17.

For Raecene, she's crafted her own journey in the NZRL program to be a mainstay in the halves for the Kiwi Ferns since 2017 and after a brief stint in rugby.

"I haven't been able to play with Page since I was 12 years old, so it's been really good to be able to train with her and it'll be really good to be back out there on the field together," McGregor said.

"It's going to be a good test for us because [Helensburgh] have some great players."

CEO replacement search unlikely

The Broncos are unlikely to replace former women's CEO Tain Drinkwater in the leading NRLW role after she departed the club in February.

Drinkwater was unveiled as new CEO of Netball NSW last month after five years as the Broncos' general manager of HR – three of those years also included overseeing the women's program at Red Hill.

The Broncos are rehiring in the HR role but will leave future decisions around the club's fourth NRLW campaign to the football department.  

Drinkwater was the first CEO appointment in the NRLW since the competition's inception in 2018.

Origin venue down to three

The NRL is still considering venues for the fourth official women's State of Origin clash on June 25 but NRL.com understands it has come down to three venues and for NSW fans, look away now.

Townsville, Redcliffe and Sunshine Coast stadium are among the places being considered after an agreement with the Queensland government was reached.

The Maroons broke through with a 24-18 victory over NSW in November last year but were robbed of the opportunity to play in front of a full capacity crowd due to COVID-19.

Queensland-based NRLW players face nervous wait

Still in Queensland and BHP Premiership players are waiting to receive the green light for the start of the competition after the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Brisbane cancelled training sessions across most clubs this week.

The Queensland Government announced the conclusion of the greater Brisbane area lockdown on Wednesday but some restrictions remain imposed across Queensland until April 15.

The season opener is due to start on April 10 with the QRL to provide any possible changes to the draw early next week.

Simon says stop 

Former NSW winger Taleena Simon has announced her retirement from the game less than six months after making an inspirational return for the Roosters in the NRLW last season.

Simon was unveiled as Glebe's key signing to celebrate their entry in the Harvey Norman NSW premiership last month but has quit only a couple of weeks into the competition.

The 28-year-old made history in 2018 by becoming the first player to score four tries in an NRLW match.

The birth of her son, Eli, in 2019, saw her sidelined for 12 months but the new mum returned last season for the Roosters, scoring a try in her return game.

"It definitely wasn't the easiest decision but I feel at peace with the choice I've made," Simon said.

"I appreciate everyone who has been a part of my journey."

Roosters on search for next NRLW star

The Roosters will hold an all-ages future stars camp later this month in a bid to usher through the next crop of local talent.

Every player will receive two hours of professional coaching with a focus on catching, passing and tackle technique.

The Tricolours have beefed up their junior systems since their entry into the NRLW with their alignment with the Central Coast side contributing to their success last year.

To register, visit https://www.roosters.com.au/community/book-a-roosters-camp/

Travelling Nic tough to beat

Nicola Webber continues to impress with her dedication after "staying up past her bedtime" to watch the likes of stars Jess Sergis and Kezie Apps at Aubrey Keech reserve on Monday night.

Nicola travels to most games with her father Mahlon, including interstate, to watch the Parramatta Eels play, while she also follows the game's leading female players.

The primary school student travelled to Townsville in February to watch her heroes, while she's also helped as a ball girl with the Eels Tarsha Gale Cup side and Sharks Harvey Norman NSW women's premiership team.

In the NRLW, her support stretches as far as Brisbane with Millie Boyle among her favourite players.

"She's a Bronco one week and then she's a Shark when she comes to most of our games here in Sydney," Jillaroos representative Corban McGregor said.

"To see that little girls have female players as their role models is pretty cool. She's very committed and I know all the players really like seeing her at games and are thankful for her support."

 

The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARL Commission, NRL clubs or state associations.