A Conversation with Queenslander and Wallaroo Sarah Riordan

After a great win at Ballymore over the weekend, I was lucky to catch up with Queensland and Wallaroo Center Sarah Riordan. I enjoyed hearing her talk about the Super W competition and her excitement about Women's rugby in general.

Queensland's last round game of the competition is this weekend... So if you haven't been following, it's a perfect time to jump on board! They are playing the Western Force in Perth on Saturday and the game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports at 5pm Brisbane time. I'll be watching!

In the meantime, get to know one of the teams (many) stars:

Hi Sarah, thanks for taking time in the middle of a busy season to catch up. Congrats on a great win over the weekend! How did you feel about the game against Melbourne?

It was really good. It was good to get out there, get some form back within the team, get that positivity, play the game that we know that we can play and take that into the next game.

What a game by the way. 60 to nil isn't a bad score line. Well done with your 3 tries by the way!

Thanks!

You and your team are a part of Australian rugby history. How does it feel to be a part of the first ever Super W competition?

It feels really good. Its good to see where rugby has come, since I started. It’s exciting to think that this is just the start and imagining what it’s going to be like in two years, five years and then ten years. It’s just exciting for women’s rugby. It’s great to be a part of it and be able to leave a legacy behind for those to come.

What's been your favourite thing about the competition so far?

I think the publicity and exposure that the sport’s getting is really exciting. It makes you feel that people want to watch you play. It’s nice having a curtain raiser before the men… but Sunday at Ballymore was awesome - everyone was there for us. It was a really great thing. It’s getting our game out there and getting people talking about women’s rugby.

I'd like to hear about your rugby journey in particular. How many years have you played rugby?

I started playing when I was 16, so almost 10 years, a good 9 years. I started down in New South Wales, played country, played nationals a few times. Then I went overseas and played for a little bit in England, which I think developed my game. I came back two years ago and made the Aussie squad and just did my first World Cup which is great. Rugby’s done a lot for me, I’ve travelled… I’ve made the World Cup, so I’m quite happy with what I’ve achieved in this sport… and now this.

What was the thing that made you want to play rugby?

I just played because it was something different. I just gave it a go. I played league before and I liked how rugby was just so different. There’s all these one percenters that you can control, with league, you know that there’s six tackles, you know you can kick. Whereas with rugby, it’s unpredictable and it’s a contest at all times, which is what I love. You’ve got to be on your toes at all times and be able to adjust both mentally and physically. I think that’s what I like about it.

How did you end up playing in Queensland - and what's your favourite thing about playing here?

With the line of work I do, obviously I have to move around. I got posted down in Melbourne, played club rugby down there, then got posted up to Brisbane, hence why I’m here. I had a bit of a say in where I got to be posted, and I chose Brisbane because I knew, not just the talent, but also the facilities and the support that Queensland women’s rugby has up here. The competition is great, I think it’s probably a bit better than in Sydney.

And my favourite things about Queensland… just the weather! It’s nice all the time. It’s not to hot, it’s not too cold. You can get a nice tan all year round.

What would you say to any young girls interested in playing the game?

Look I definitely encourage it. My nieces are three and two, and I’m trying to get them into it. Not force them, but… You want to show young girls that it’s ok, you can play this sport and you can do everything else that you want to do. You don’t have to play in dirt and mud and play with boys to play rugby. It’s a women’s game now in Australia. But I’d definitely encourage it, and all sizes too. I say to my mates now… some of them are smaller and I say come to a game and you’d be surprised by the size of some of our girls.

It doesn’t matter how big you are on the outside, I think it’s the size of your ticker, it’s like any sport really. I’d definitely encourage them, for sure.

Do you have any other hobbies in particular besides rugby?

Um.. I don’t know if eating is a hobby [laughs]… A lot of outdoor stuff like camping, fishing, going to the beach, all that type of normal stuff really. I like to spend time with family too… I try and seperate rugby life and personal life sometimes. You need to, because it get’s a bit overloaded at times.

Thanks Sarah for your time.

That’s ok!

You're an inspiration to many rugby fans, and I'm sure (also) many young girls playing the game.

I hope so, that’s the whole point of it isn’t it.

Fellowship with the Fijians - Filipo Daugunu and Samu Kerevi

Last week, Queensland had a double-header, with the mens and women’s team playing at Suncorp Stadium. A few days earlier, we had our own double-header, interviewing Filipo Daugunu and Samu Kerevi. Filipo is still fairly new to Australia, so Samu stepped in originally to help to translate, which is awesome because spending time with him is always a treat. So I took the opportunity to ask him a question too!

It’s great to see the culture of brotherhood at Ballymore, especially while everyone works hard to move forward, in terms of training and competing.

Hi Filipo, thanks for taking the time to chat!

Hello.

How are you settling into the Reds and life at Ballymore?

It’s going really well. I’m liking it.

What are you enjoying most about being a part of the Queensland Reds?

The teamwork… the environment of the team. I used to play soccer, and now I play rugby. I’m enjoying it.

Congrats on a great win over the weekend! You must be happy with how it went...

Yeah. Thankyou. 

You used to play soccer. What inspired you to play rugby as a career?

Yeah. I used to play soccer. But I changed to rugby because I like it more. I moved over here, around one year ago to follow a career in rugby.

Have you always been a winger?

No. I always played fullback. But when I moved here, then I played winger.

Reds fans can be glad you made the move to Brisbane. What differences have you found living in Australia, compared to living in Fiji?

I moved over here by myself, all my family are over in Fiji. I’m married, I have two boys.

[Samu:] He just had his boy over the weekend!

[Filipo:] I’m going to visit them after the tour.

Also… in Fiji, we speak Fijian [laughs]. English is very hard.

One question for Samu... while you're here! As a senior player in the team, how do you feel about where the Reds are at, at the moment? You must be proud of players like Filipo stepping up.

[Samu:] Yeah. It feels like something is brewing for us. Personally, I’m happy with Filipo being here, and Eto - it reminds me of home all the time, because I left Fiji at such a young age. They carry the culture for us. It reminds me of my brothers when I go back home - so having them around is like having my older brothers or my little brother at home. I’m loving every minute we get to spend together. Queensland has a rich history of Fijians playing on the team. Chris Kuridrani’s father was one of the first players on the team. So having Filipo around has been awesome.

But in terms of the team, we’ve got a really young group, but when we get on the field, they don’t feel misplaced, they put 100% into it and it feels like they’ve played many game before.

So for me, it’s really comfortable being out there, because these players are really hungry. You’ve got younger guys like Hocko [Harry Hockings] who just made his debut over the weekend. We’ve got so many more to come. We’ve got Hamish Stewart who’s been on the team twice, but hasn’t played yet, he’s another player that’s really outstanding at training and holds himself well. So it’s an exciting time for Queensland rugby.

And Filipo... one more question. Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

[Samu:] He can dance. [both laugh]

[Filipino]: Most of them, don’t know that I can kick with both feet, both left and right. Especially because of soccer.

Thanks very much for your time. And all the best for this weekend and travelling the week after.

[Filipo:] Thank you.

[Samu:] Thanks again for having us! It’s always good to sit down Tommy and have a chat. Thanks for the questions. Awesome questions as always. It’s good to see you up and healthy.

Listening to Up-and-Comer Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea

As you hopefully know, the first ever Super W competition is kicking off this Saturday! Building on the excitement of winning the Global 10s competition several weeks ago, the Queensland Women’s XV team have been working hard to put their best foot forward this weekend (4pm Saturday, March 10th at Suncorp!)

Alysia is the youngest player in the Reds squad, but you wouldn’t know it, just looking at the way she plays rugby. She is a player to watch this season for sure. Thanks Alysia for taking time to chat this week!

Hi Alysia, There’s a lot happening for you at the moment. Nice of you to take time to catch up.

How are you finding pre-season at the moment?

I’m finding it really good. The girls are going good at the moment. We’ve just been building from each training.

What are you looking forward to most about Saturday’s game?

Just playing off the girls experience, and probably another crowd like 10s. The atmosphere!

What are you enjoying the most about playing for Queensland?

Just playing with the more experienced girls. The culture as well.

How old were you when you started playing?

I was 14 years old.

What do you think it was that drew you to play at first?

It was the contact - and the environment as well.

What are your personal goals this year?

Just to build more with the game, I’m still trying to learn more about it… To become a center (I’m a winger at the moment.) Also, I’m trying to make the Wallaroos!

Well, there are many supporters cheering you and the team on. I wish you well this season, not just in rugby, but off the field as well!

Thank you!

Catching up with Lucy Lockhart

If you haven’t heard that the “Super W” competition starts this Saturday, you’ve probably been living under a rock. (By the way, Queensland have their first game at at 4pm at Suncorp Stadium. Hope you can make it)

In the lead up this week, I was lucky enough catch up with Lucy Lockhart, who will be in the starting line-up this Saturday, in the Queensland. It was great hearing her talk about the game she loves most. I was also glad to hear she's landed in her favourite position - Number 7 (that's "Open-Side Flanker" for anyone still learning about the game).

All the best this weekend Lucy! 

Hi Lucy,

Thanks for making time to catch up. This is an exciting week for you guys!

How's pre-season training gone for you?

Yeah it’s gone really good. I was a back but I don’t normally play half-back or fly-half anymore, I think I’ve gained a couple of kgs [laughs], so they’ve put me in the loose-forward pack now. I’m playing number seven in the game against the Waratahs. So it’s been a big change for recently, doing scrums.

How excited are you about the season starting on Saturday? (March 10th)

Very excited. It’s definitely a big step for women in sport. And to have rugby union up there with the big sports, like AFL and the NRL’s gonna join in. It’s good to get some recognition or the hard work us girls go through.

It's gonna be a great game, I'll be at Suncorp supporting.

What inspired you to start playing rugby?

I started playing rugby union when I was 7, with my brothers. Then, 7 until 11, and then I wasn’t allowed, because I’m a female (there was a rule that as soon as you hit 11 you had to stop playing with the boys). Then I started back when I was 19. Now I’ve been playing rugby union ever since - I’m 25 now. I love the game. Every person, no matter what size, no matter who you are, rugby’s for everyone.

Did you have any favourite players growing up?

When I was playing at 9, I really liked Will Genia, I was always watching how he plays. He’s still one of the best 9s, I think, around the tournament.

I kind of just watched everyone really.

I’ve been changing positions, throughout my career. I’ve been all throughout the back line, and now I’m in the forward back. So I love everyone, other than Will Genia, there’s no-one specific.

What’s your favourite position to play?

Open-side flanker - number 7.

What's your favourite thing about playing for the Queensland Women's XV?

Um [pauses]… there’s so many. I like the atmosphere, I love everyones love for the game, you can see it as we play. How we gell, our synergy on the field, how we connect. Everyone is just such a good player, it’s good to be surrounded by like-minded people. Especially chucking on that red jersey, it’s one of the highlights of my days.

What’s your favourite thing to do besides rugby?

I like playing golf on the weekends, I skateboard, I out to the to the beach, sometimes surf, I snowboard when it’s in season. I like hanging out with my family and friends. Being a beach-bum.

What's something you would say to young girls thinking of playing rugby?

Do it! The camaraderie, around the sport and the passion that you see… that you get to watch grow in the young minds of young women… there’s nothing like it. Nothing like netball, nothing like anything. Because once you're on the field, you’re all in, all for nothing. Then once you come off, you’re absolutely buggered, and you’re lifting everyone else on their feet. There’s no sport like this at all. So go for it!

That’s good advice. Thanks for taking time to chat today!

No dramas! I look forward to reading it on your blog!

You've got a lot of supporters in this State and we're right behind you! This Saturday, and the rest of the season.

Awesome. Thank you. See you on Saturday as well! Try and get a team photo!

A Conversation with Queensland Women’s XV Captain: Kirby Sefo

Super W kicks off this Saturday! If you’re not as excited as I am, then you’re probably just not in the know… Super W is a brand new format for the women’s competition (click here to get in the know).

Over the weekend, I was lucky to sit down with Queensland captain, Kirby Sefo. We had a great chat, talking about her own journey, her excitement about the Super W competition and women’s rugby in general. Hearing her talk, you can see why she has the respect of the players and coaching staff alike and has become a great ambassador for the game! Hope you enjoy reading our chat.

Hi Kirby, nice to catch up this morning. Thanks for taking time out from your schedule!

No problems!

How do you feel the pre-season has gone so far?

Pre-season, to be honest was off to a bit of a slow start, with new coaching, new management and new girls in our squad, it took a while to learn those new structures, new platforms and then I think, it was good timing being able to have a good run-out at Global 10s. That helped our pre-season a lot. When we were done with that, I guess we’ve been able to set back into 15s again, learn our patterns. We certainly had a good run-out this morning, we’re one week out, we’re just making sure our bodies are all good and hopefully we’ll be good on Saturday.

What's one thing your proud of about your team so far this year… and what's one thing you think the team can work on more?

During the pre-season, I’m proud of how the girls have sort of clicked and have fallen in sync together at the right time. We’ve got certain leaders taking care of certain parts of our game, then collectively we’ve been picking up our young ones and then experienced ones are bringing things together.

To work on… I guess that perhaps might come after round one. At the moment, we haven’t had a lot to test those patterns on the field. After round one, I might have a big list. [laughs]

I know your focused on game 1 of the Super W competition, on Saturday March 10th. What are you looking forward to most about this game?

I think what I’m looking forward to most, is the fact that it’s the first Super W competition, the fact that we’re a part of it. It means that the game is growing.  We get to play at Suncorp, before the Reds… I think just the fact that this is where we are is what I’m excited about.

Women's rugby seems to be on the rise in Queensland. What advice would you give to young girls thinking of playing?

It definitely is on the rise isn’t it. My advice for young girls wanting to play… is first of all to try it, but I think as they go through their successes and build their own status for a rugby career, the main thing I would advise is to keep that balance. So still do the things that you love, aside from rugby. So if you enjoy your friends and your family, always make time for them. Just have a good balance of on and off-field, and keep everything in perspective. Don’t let it take over your life, but enjoy it.

How did you first get into rugby?

Funny, because you would think coming from New Zealand that I started then, but it was actually an old friend that asked if I wanted to play and at first I said “absolutely not”… I didn’t want a bar of playing rugby.

How old were you at the time?

I was a really late starter, I didn’t start playing until I was 25, not long after I moved to Australia. I went along to watch Sunnybank play Wests, they were short, they said jump in, so I did and I loved it. I just kind of fell into it and it went from strength to strength in the one season.

What have some of your highlights from your career been so far?

There’s a couple of really good moments. A recent one was obviously the 10s. I think just because we’re not used to being in the spotlight so much. While we do have wins and being able to celebrate in that kind of light, that’s really fun.

Also, I really love my club Sunnybank - last year we won our third premiership, back to back. I really appreciate where I’ve come from, in terms of rugby. I didn’t play back home, so my loyalties really do lie with Sunnybank. When I first started playing, we lost every game for two whole seasons. So to be a part of a team that developed together. It would have been easy to go to another club, but I like sharing those kind of moments with my club girls, because I’m sort of nothing without them. And a lot of them as you can see are with Queensland, we’ve gone through that all together.

And finally... what would you say to rugby fans in Queensland, leading up to Saturday March 10th?

I would first of all say thank you to them, because after the 10s they’ve been so supportive. And also, just to get around it and encourage it. There’s so many young girls out there that rugby can do really good things for them. You know, friendships, memories… also good health! Support things that are developing, it’s a good thing that we’re doing, so we appreciate the support. And hopefully come down and watch us! I’m sure I’ll see you there Tom.

I'm looking forward to the season and I'm sure many people are. All the best for the first game, and the rest of the season. See you at Suncorp soon.

Thank you so much. That’s the coolest interview I’ve ever done.

Izaia Perese - Eyes Still on the Prize

It's been a big year for Izaiah Perese (better known as Izzy), with the birth of his daughter in January. Then, on the field, his form at the Global 10s competition and the Reds pre-season games has been excellent. Unfortunately, in the closing minutes of the Reds final pre-season game against Fiji, he was dealt a rough blow by injuring his ACL in his knee. I'm glad he was still able to follow through on our plan to catch up though. It was great to see that he is staying positive, in spite of his set-back, especially in light of the advice and encouragement he's been getting from Queensland coach Brad Thorne.

With his eyes on the prize of a steady recovery, Izzy is still a player to watch for in 2018!

Hey Izzy,

Thanks for taking the time to chat. I know it's tough being injured. How are you going at the moment?

Um.. I’m going good. I had a chat with Thorny. At the time and I was pretty discouraged. I was very down on myself about what’s going on, because it was literally the last 2 minutes of the trial game, that’s when I did it.

But Thorny said that maybe it’s all good timing, you know you’ve just had a kid, and maybe it’ll give that extra bit of time to work, and give you family time. When Thorny opened my eyes to that, it made me really appreciate this time that I’m now going to get with my family. Although I’m still going to work hard and try and get back as quick as possible, I’m really gonna enjoy my family as well.

I’m going great. I’ve seen it as a blessing in disguise.

Looking back over pre-season, what were the highlights for you from the Global 10s competition?

I think, a highlight from the 10s comp was being able to run out and enjoy it. It was a serious thing, but the most exciting thing about it was being able to express myself and let loose on the field… running lines, making tackles, being able to hook into it with the boys. There was just a little bit less “pressure” than a normal Super Rugby game.

Another highlight was definitely winning against the Chiefs, because I think a lot of people wrote us off for that.

Looking back at last years NRC, you were an important part of the Queensland country squad. What were your highlights of the competition?

The highlight was, surprisingly, not playing, but seeing the boys flourish with how they’re working together and winning games. I’m not that type of person that feels like the team depends on me. 

But when I was in there, it felt like a different team. Everyone wants to put in work for each other. I wasn’t playing, and Filipo came in. He was amazing me at training, and I was thinking “why isn’t this dude playing”, then I found out he had a little suspension. But when he came back, he really showed what he had on the training paddock and on the field, and it was electric aye. My highlights were being able to watch the boys really win and flourish together and take it out. That was the highlight, when we won the premiership.

Can you tell us a bit about your rugby journey leading up to playing for the Reds?

Definitely. So, I started off playing rugby league, and was going through the ranks there. I was a bit of a naughty kid at school, just due to not knowing who I was, and not knowing what I wanted to do and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Mum made the decision to send me to Saint Edmund’s College out in Ipswich, I got my first taste of rugby union and I was excelling in it and loving it.

Eventually, because it was all the way out Ipswitch and living in Stafford, I was catching two trains to get there and it became too much. I made a phone call to David Miles, my Saint Eddie’s coach and he strongly recommended Jason Gilmore. We made a call to him, sent our plea, and eventually got a scholarship through Churchie. It was amazing, such a good opportunity. Churchie and the ARU just took so much care of me and my family. I’m so grateful to what rugby union has given me and my family.

There was a lot of ups and downs, but the main thing was I always stayed focused and never lost sight of where I wanted to be. That’s pretty much my rugby journey.

Tell us some things you gained during your representative travels.

I think I gained a lot, as a person. It was a good character builder for me. Always training and not playing is always a hard thing to do. I was always trying to crack it, but never did. A couple of things I did learn were good keys in defence, and good keys in attack. Bernie [Stephen Larkham] and Greysy [Anthony Greys] helped me a lot with knowledge, and Cheika and Nick too. But the character thing took me through, always training and never playing. It made me better as a person, and made me more hungry to try and get a cap.

What drew you to play rugby at a young age?

I think it’s because Mum knew I was getting a bit too aggressive with the soccer players. She said “I’m going to switch you to rugby” and it actually worked out. I loved rugby, you could just take your anger out. I was an angry little boy when I was younger. I think that was the reason… Mum seeing that rage inside of me, and thought there’s nothing better to do than chuck me into a contact sport [laughs].

Who were your favourite rugby players growing up?

I would have to say George Gregan was one of them and also Bernie [Stephen Larkham]. George Gregan was such a great captain, such a great person, and knowing him personally, he’s just a genuine bloke.

You’re speed and strength seems to suit you as an outside back. Has that always been your preferred position though?

Yeah it has. I always wanted to be a prop but… Nah I’m joking [laughs]. I was a prop to start with, but I got taller, and lost all the fat. So it put me into the backs. But I love playing out on the wing, it’s definitely something different, when you get space and speed, I love that rush. I think I love outside center the most, but I haven’t played there in a while.

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

I definitely have a massive soft spot for dogs… actually all animals. Even if it’s the ugliest animal, like a snake or a crocodile. The other day I was watching “Swamp People“ and you know how they kill crocodiles for a living, I was thinking that’s hopeless, they’re just poor little things getting hurt for no reason. It’s totally changed my perspective on crocodiles now and I really think they’re cute creatures, it’s weird aye. But I’ve got a massive soft spot for animals, and it’s something I’d really love to work with after footy.

And I’m a massive family man, which I’m not sure if anyone would know, but I love my family.

Thanks Izzy for your time. Remember, we're cheering you on while you get back to full fitness!

Thank you very much for having me. I really enjoyed it. I’d love to do this any time you want.