Woman of Steel Courtney Hill to link up with Sydney Roosters

Drew Darbyshire

Woman of Steel Courtney Hill has joined Sydney Roosters for the NRL Nines tournament which takes place in February.

Leeds have agreed to release captain Hill to play in the Nines but the Australian will return for the start of the Women’s Super League season.

The Nines will take place on the weekend of February 14-15, with both men’s and women’s NRL teams taking part at HBF Park in Perth.

Hill said: “At the end of last season I was trying to decide whether I was going to play cricket or rugby and when I went home to Australia in October I spoke to a few clubs as I wanted to have all my options on the table.

“If I stayed in rugby league, I wanted to know how I could challenge myself and go up another gear as a player and as a person.

“I am lucky that I will still be able to return to the Rhinos after playing in the Nines as it doesn’t clash with our fixtures, so it’s a good chance for me to go over there and do some pre-season training in a match form.  I hope I will be able to learn from playing in a different environment and then I can come back to Leeds a better player and help the team.

“I love playing for Leeds and the club and players have been really supportive during my time there.  The plan is to play for the Roosters in the Nines and then I get married in March and then I will be back ready for the first round of the Women’s Super League with the Rhinos.”

More on site

2020 Challenge Cup second round draw revealed

Rugby League Today: Bennett not wanted, Lam’s son joins Wigan & Warrington offered Smith deal

Jamie Jones-Buchanan appointed as Leeds assistant coach

Leeds hooker Kruise Leeming to miss start of season

Quiz: Can you name the 20 players with the most tackle busts in Super League last year?

Women Courtney Hill