WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE
Bantamos striker Vanessa Foliaki offered a straightforward ‘no’ when asked if she thinks she would still be with the club this season after struggling to make an impact in the campaign without victory of last year
One of only seven players remaining to make it to the NRLW’s inaugural grand final in 2018, Foliaki’s form fell in 2019 to coincide with the squad’s struggles under former coach Rick Stone
Foliaki has refused to blame his performance on some personal struggles, most notably his return to Sydney from Brisbane this year following a breakup with former partner, utility Warriors, Karina Brown
The 27-year-old turned to fitness in a bid to cut back as the women’s game continued to accelerate from previous years
Foliaki relied on Roosters teammate Simaima Taufa in an effort to lose weight and regain an appropriate size for a striker in the ever-changing environment of the women’s rugby league
« Everyone has personal issues, but I have made it a goal to get out and be fitter so I can enjoy my football
« I returned to Sydney because Maims [Taufa] gave me the opportunity to play at club level with Mounties
« She and Daz [Constable Darrin Borthwick’s trainer] brought me back here and told me they would support me on my journey to get me back to where I wanted to be
« They helped me a lot I feel the best I have been I don’t think I have been feeling this well since the 2017 World Cup »
With a roster overhaul underway under new coach Jamie Feeney, the former Jillaroo feared being part of the cuts until the Roosters coach appreciated what he saw in the turnaround. by Foliaki
« It was one of my goals, but I knew that if I was to be back here, I had to get back in shape and get that motivation back, » she says
« I am 10 kilos less than last year at this time and I still have difficulties sometimes The game has developed, it’s no secret that it is faster
« It’s a long way from the game we were playing when attackers were bigger bodies
« It’s rare to see now at this level, especially in the middle. The form I’m in this year is perfect for our game »
Foliaki has been a mainstay for Feeney on the right rim ahead of the Telstra Women’s Premiership grand final on Sunday and will look to contain Tarryn Aiken and Jessika Elliston on the rim
She said her experiences with the inaugural decision will help her prepare for this weekend’s big stage event
« In 2018, we were happy to be there because we weren’t supposed to, and it was brand new, » she said
« But this year we worked really hard to make it happen I thought our execution was down on the weekends our stint between us was poor so we have to keep it simple
Sydney Roosters, Grand Final, NRL Women
News from around the world – AU – From away to a grand final: Foliaki’s turnaround pays off
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
