Bremner aiming for the top after latest return to game

Sam Bremner is back on the field and makes no secret she’s ready to put herself in the frame for World Cup selection ahead of a massive second half of the women’s rugby league season.

Bremner made a successful return to senior footy last week in Cronulla’s 10-4 win over Mounties in the opening round of the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership.

The match featured over 20 players who took to the field in the NRLW earlier this year including premiership-winning Roosters captain Corban Baxter, Holli Wheeler, Simaima Taufa, Kennedy Cherrington and Maddie Studdon.

Bremner looked sharp at fullback less than six months after giving birth to her second child, daughter Lakey, in November.

"My aim was to get back around this time so I'm very proud and I've got to thank the Sharks for the opportunity, they've been supportive of my return after having Lakey," Bremner told NRL.com.

"Physically I've come back better than when I had Reef because he was a C-section birth and Lakey was natural. It's been better the second time around, and also my mindset is a lot different.

"When Wayne and I were planning to fall pregnant I used to think about how it would mean affect my rugby league and not playing in the NRLW or State of Origin or a World Cup.

"And I'm still hard on myself in different areas like my physical shape coming back but I've learned to relax a little bit more."

At 30, and having tasted World Cup success previously, Bremner could've walked away from the game satisfied she'd achieved the highest there is in the women's game.

However, with the growth of the NRLW and future expansion of State of Origin, plus the World Cup in November, she feels like she can still contribute at a high level.

The Jillaroos are spoilt for choice with their backline depth but Bremner, who for more than a decade has been one of the most respected players at the international level, wouldn’t look out of place.

She has 10 tries in six Tests for Australia but freak injuries and two pregnancies have restricted her appearances since 2017.

"I definitely could've walked away and to be honest when I had Reef I realised how much footy becomes secondary to family and life," Bremner said.

"But now I've had Lakey and I've got a great support system I feel like there's still that unfinished business in the game. 

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't aiming for the top. It's a big year for women's rugby league and I feel like I'm coming back at the right time."

Bremner wouldn't go into much talk about the NRLW but with joint Dally M medal winner Emma Tonegato set to remain at the Dragons for the second season, the former Red V foundation player may have to look for another club.

"I'm open to anything at the moment but really want to focus on Cronulla and putting some good performances in over the next few weeks," she said.

"I've definitely got some long-term goals but also don't want to get too far ahead of myself."

Bremner's return comes after Cronulla formally applied for an NRLW license for 2023 last week, hand-delivering their application over to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.