Charlize Lloyd-Phillips moved to Townsville with one goal in mind = to build a career in the Australian Defence Force.
Rugby league was supposed to be a thing of the past.
Five NRLW games later, the 23-year-old has become a history-maker.
Lloyd-Phillips became the first player in Cowboys NRLW history to score a hat-trick on Saturday night, capping a remarkable rise that began with nothing more than a desire to make some friends in a new city.
The Australian Defence Force combat rescue specialist had only just moved north from the Central Coast to begin her career at the largest Army base in Australia when she decided to trial for the Cowboys.
She never expected to make the team, let alone find herself etched into the club's record books.
“I moved to Townsville not knowing anyone, and with the Cowboys now these girls have become a second family,” Lloyd-Phillips told NRL.com.
“I’m in the Army, I moved to a new location, and I just thought I’d make some friends by trialling for the NRLW team.
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“I didn’t think anything would come from it, but here we are. Five games in, now a hat-trick tonight.
“It feels so surreal. It’s like an out-of-body experience. I’m like, ‘Is that really me? Oh my goodness'."
Having come through the Tarsha Gale system, Lloyd-Phillips had already accepted that her footy days were over.
She continued playing league and rugby union through the Army, but testing her skills at a professional level was never part of the plan.
“I went through the Tarsha Gale pathway when I was younger, but since joining the Army I played a bit of league and union with the Defence Force,” she said.
Essay Banu Try
“When I left the Tarsha Gale days and joined the Army, I thought footy was over for me.
“But I’ve always loved it. I’m a very competitive person, but I never envisioned this for myself.”
Instead, Lloyd-Phillips has found herself juggling two physically demanding careers, serving as a combat rescue specialist while establishing herself as one of the Cowboys' most dangerous attacking weapons.
Her NRLW debut didn't come until Round 4 against the Titans, but it hasn't taken long for her to make her mark.
After earning a place in the Cowboys' top 30, she now has four tries to her name, including three in Saturday night's 32-28 win over the Dragons.
“It’s been the best trajectory my life could have taken this year,” she said.
A natural athlete with the size and power to dominate on the wing, Lloyd-Phillips has quickly established herself as a genuine aerial threat.
Jasmine Peters Try
Her background in netball has also helped her develop the confidence to attack the high ball, while coach Ricky Henry has played a major role in convincing her she belongs at this level.
“I’m pretty comfortable with high balls,” she said.
“I grew up playing netball as well, so I’m feeling confident and comfortable on the wing.
“He sees and believes in me a lot more than I believe in myself.
“He’s really pushed me and I couldn’t have done any of this without him. I’m very grateful that he keeps pushing me every week to believe in myself.”
Henry has watched Lloyd-Phillips develop rapidly since arriving at the Cowboys, with her ability in the air becoming one of her biggest weapons.
“She’s been amazing,” Henry said post-match.
Charlize Lloyd-Phillips Try
“She’s still got a lot to learn, but she contested every kick that went up.
“We know she can definitely catch and jump. It’s a great reward for her kick-chase, getting down there firstly but then being there to contest the ball.
“I’m really proud of where she’s come from and what she’s been doing.”
The Cowboys have endured a difficult season, with key players moving clubs and others sidelined through injury, but Lloyd-Phillips has emerged as one of the breakout stars of their campaign.
