The WA product chasing NRLW dream at Cronulla

Claudia Foster isn’t a household name in the NRLW yet but after making the move of her life earlier this year, she’s well on her way.

The Perth-born forward took a leap of faith in February when she relocated to Sydney to play in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership with the Cronulla Sharks.

She grew inspiration from the Cherrington sisters – Kennedy and Rueben – who were also Perth-based and did the same to later earn NRLW contracts with Parramatta this year.

The Sharks went down to the Wests Tigers in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final on the weekend and despite not featuring in the match, Foster is eager to keep pushing for more.

While she’s experienced some homesickness this year, the announcement of Cronulla’s 2023 NRLW inclusion has given the Western Australian product added motivation to remain in Sydney and chase a contract next year.

“I don’t think the aspiration was to play NRLW coming over but since I’ve been here the motivation has become stronger,” Foster told NRL.com.

"Coming from Perth it feels very out of reach because when you live so far away you just don’t think it’s a possibility.

“Although the Sharks put the bid in early and were excited I think we were a bit tentative given it was only meant to be eight teams.

“I’m new to the Sharks but I sensed the frustration from a lot of the girls who were part of the club back in 2018 so the excitement for them now is beyond measurable.”

Cronulla are tipped to be strong competitors in the expanded NRLW season next year after an impressive performance in last weekend's state grand final and Foster is hoping the club can retain "the core group" of girls in the shire.

Among them include NRLW stars Sam Bremner, Holli Wheeler, Quincy Dodd and Teagan Berry, who will all be free agents in 2023 when the Sharks come into the competition.

"I think in general with the Harvey Norman side I think the Sharks did a good job so I’m confident we can sign a few players for next year," Foster said.

"I don’t know about certain individuals, some have already built relationships at NRLW clubs and someone like Tiana Penitani has signed with the Eels for next year but we do have a strong core group.

"If girls want to come back we'll be happy to have them."

Moving 4,000 kilometres across the country to pursue her rugby league dream, the former WA rugby forward said she has Eels prop Kennedy Cherrington to thank for her "foot in the door" at Cronulla.

Foster currently lives with the Cherrington family as part of her living arrangements and continues to work for a Perth-based company online from Sydney.

"I reached out to her and said this is what I wanted to do and she said you’d be stupid not to," Foster said.

"She is so full of energy but I love it, she’s so encouraging and you never have a bad moment with her.

"Both Kennedy and Rueben have done really well, the path they both took is inspiring and is something I want to do."