Illawarra Steelers Lisa Fiaola Duo Halle Barrett, 16, and Skye Spencer, 17, are all set to represent Australian Schoolgirls against Papua New Guinea on Sunday, 12th October, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
For five-eighth Spencer, the call-up came as an unexpected but welcome surprise.
“I didn’t think I was going to do it so soon. I thought this year was just going to be like a development year,” Spencer said.
“When I got the call, I was really shocked, but it was a really good learning experience and has helped my development.”
The Corrimal Cougars junior, who has played for the Steelers for the past two years, credits the Steelers’ pathway programs for her growth.
“It was a big jump from Lisa Fiaola to Harvey Norman. Playing Harvey’s has been a good preparation for Tarsha Gale, and taking the skills from women’s footy back to juniors will really help our Steelers Tarsha team,” she explained.
Spencer began her rugby league journey in touch football before joining the Cougars, encouraged by friends and her mother after seeing a Steelers trial notice.
“I think my footy IQ has developed a lot with the Steelers. It’s a lot more structured than club footy, and they’ve nurtured us from the grassroots up. They really make us feel important to the club.”
She admits having teammate Barrett by her side makes the experience even more special.
“I love Baz so much. She’s a talker, she just talks for me, and I let her do everything,” Spencer laughed.
“We connect really well on and off the field, so it’s comforting to go through this with her.”
Full circle moment
For Barrett, selection has been a “surreal” milestone after years of hard work.
“It’s truly surreal. All the girls have worked so hard, and to put on the green and gold is a massive opportunity. It’s not just representing our country, but also our families, our clubs, and our home,” Barrett said.
The 16-year-old described it as a “full circle moment,” knowing other Steelers had paved the way before her.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Steelers. The opportunities I’ve been given through the club are above and beyond.
“From the coaches to the support staff, and even mental health support, they’ve all helped get me here.”
Her family also shared in the emotional high of the announcement.
“When I called my dad, he (former Steelers and Dragons legend Trent Barrett) was just in shock.
“He said, ‘What? What? What?’ and I told him, ‘I made it.’ It was special for him because he was an Australian schoolboy representative back in his day, so it’s a real full-circle moment for my whole family.”
Ready for the big occasion
Both girls are relishing the chance to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in rugby league when they travel to Papua New Guinea.
“We get to hang around the Prime Minister’s men’s and women’s teams, so it’s a big occasion,“ Spencer said.
“It’s about exposure to that kind of level and learning from them.”
Barrett added: “I just want to stay present and take it all in, to truly value how special this is and use it as motivation going forward.”
With dreams of progressing to Tarsha Gale, Harvey Norman Women’s, and eventually the NRLW, both Barrett and Spencer are determined to make the most of their time in green and gold.
Words | Angelina Raula
Images | Denis Ivaneza