Clydsdale's 'full circle moment' as Jillaroos honour foundations

“I don't know how I got to be so honoured to do it, I was so proud to do it,” Welch – who was also presented with a Jillaroos badge as a past player – said of her involvement.

“Some of the girls I've watched for a number of years now, but to see the girls come in to make their debut and just their rise through the game, and also to watch the NRLW and the different teams, and how they're all progressing (has been special).

“Chatting with the girls here and understanding that some pathways now can go from under sixes all the way through to the NRLW; I coached many years ago and lost so many brilliant female players by the time they turned 12 because they weren't allowed to play anymore.

“(So) that's just amazing and it's just so nice to be here in the room with everyone and see there's so much support for the team, which is really great.

“The girls in the team now and the last few years, they've obviously got skill, but they've had so much more development as well and so much more knowledge; their strength, and I'm sure their wellbeing and what they eat and all of that type of thing – all the support around them – makes a big difference as well.

“I think we (Jillaroos Old Girls) are all pretty much in awe of where the game – the women's game’s – come to and just how professional it is now.

“Not that it wasn't before; because we all took it seriously about being able to play, but just all the support around it now makes the game (better).

“All the knockbacks and the jeering and 'women can't play attitude' ... it was so difficult to actually show that we could play; but once people sat and watched the game, they're like, ‘oh, they can play’.”

The jersey presentation was also an extra special reunion for Welch, who presented current Jillaroos backrower Yasmin Clydsdale a player of the match medal named in her honour in her debut rugby league season in 2017.

Back then, Clydsdale was playing in the Canberra Region Rugby League, claiming the Cath Welch Medal as player of the match in the open women’s grand final that season.

“It was like a full circle moment I feel, because that was my first year ever playing rugby league and to finally actually get to (speak with) the lady who the award’s named after as well was pretty special; because now that I can put it in context of what she's actually done for the game,” Clydsdale said.

“I feel extremely privileged to be in the position I am today because of all the women that have come before me.

“I met Cath when I got the award, but I didn't have the context (of who she was) because I hadn't played before, so it was my first time.

“It was a local comp, so I didn't really think much of it, but now that I'm in this position, it's a full circle moment because you actually realise how much we need to recognise all the ladies that have come before us.

“We wouldn't be in this position without them.”

Clydsdale gifted Welch her training jersey which she wore to attend the 30-year Australia Jillaroos reunion on the morning of the game against Fetu Samoa.

The past players gathered to share some memories before they all formed a guard of honour for the players to run out to the field at Suncorp Stadium.

The former players also later joined the team in the winning sheds to sing the song following their victory.

The Jillaroos will next face off against the Kiwi Ferns at Eden Park in New Zealand on Sunday.

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