'Come a long way': Southwell grateful for rollercoaster ride

Hannah Southwell’s first love was rugby league, but the Dragons forward never thought she’d play one game - let alone have just celebrated her 50th NRLW appearance.

Making the milestone even more special was the fact Southwell achieved it with the club she debuted for at just 19 years of age in last Sunday's 16-12 loss to Wests Tigers at Kogarah.

Yet the 27-year-old’s road to 50 games has been nothing short of a rollercoaster.

Southwell played junior rugby league for the Kotara Bears in Newcastle, but was forced to stop at the age of 13, as girls could no longer play.

Instead, she took up soccer, becoming the youngest goalkeeper in the W-League with the Newcastle Jets at 15 years old and later landing herself a spot in the Young Matildas Under-16s and Under-19s squads.

However, a change-of-mind led Southwell to make the switch to rugby sevens and represent Australia once again, before ultimately circling back to her first passion – rugby league.

“Soccer just wasn’t for me, it wasn’t what I loved,” said Southwell, who has again been named at lock for Saturday's match against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

“I was in high school at the time and the Olympics rolled around and rugby sevens were the hottest new thing on the map, and I was lucky enough to get contracted out of high school and then jumped to the NRLW.”

Now in her ninth NRLW season, Southwell has had a front row seat to the growth of the women's premiership and admits it’s been a privilege to witness and experience this progress with her younger sister and Newcastle halfback Jesse.

“There were four teams back when I started, and now there’s 12... I think the quality of the game has come a long way,” Southwell said.

“I think to be a part of the growth of the game is always an honour and something that I’ll remember forever. Just to be involved... and play with my little sister has always been a bit of a dream of mine.”

There have also been setbacks, with Southwell suffering an ACL injury in 2022, forcing the forward to rebuild her game through months of rehab.

“That took a big toll on me mentally and physically, but I think it was a bit of a blessing in disguise because I probably didn’t like where I was at the time and had to rethink a few things.” Southwell said.

Despite the ups and downs of her journey, Southwell wouldn’t change a thing.

“It’s been an interesting career, and I don’t think I’d have it any other way."