With the highly-anticipated 2022 NRLW season kicking off on Sunday 21st August, we caught up with our squad members to get to know them a little better.
We sat down with NSW Origin representative and Jillaroo, Hannah Southwell.
Born and bred in Newcastle, Southwell has been a part of the NRLW since its inception in 2018.
The lock-forward played rugby league until 13 before making the switch to soccer and becoming the W-League's youngest ever goalkeeper at 15 with the Newcastle Jets.
Following this, Southwell represented Australia in rugby union before returning to league in 2018. The cross-code star will be sure to impress in this year's campaign.
Name: Hannah Southwell
Position/s: Lock
Junior Club: Kotara Bears
Your journey in the game? Where have you played before?
Started at Kotara bears then went to play football, moved to rugby 7s then back to league.
How did you find Rugby League?
My dad tried putting me in ballet but I wasn’t coordinated enough so I went into the next best thing, rugby league.
Where is your hometown?
Newcastle.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Just getting amongst the girls, I think we’ve got a really good squad here so I think we're just gonna go out and play for each other and hopefully get a couple of wins, get the first win and go from there.
Favourite movie?
Lucy.
What are your goals for the 2022 season?
A team goal would be a premiership, I want to win one at home, that would be unreal.
Favourite canteen snack as a kid?
Sausage roll with tomato sauce.
Best piece of advice you've received?
"Don't forget the nine-year-old." Hayden Knowles said it and it really stuck with me.
Greatest on-field moment?
Winning my first premiership in the 2018 Origin.
Greatest off-field moment?
Being Jessie’s sister.
Do you have any sporting heroes?
The Johns boys and a non-sporting hero would be Sia.
