It has begun..

As some of you may know I have been slowly getting involved with the code of Rugby League over the last few years. Its been a real treat to see some highs and lows, to be on the ground in growing this code and slowly turning negative perspective of lies told to many over decades into positive reinforcements and showing how League and Union can work in harmony and play into making each other stronger. one aspect of rugby that's seeing quite a bit of growth is the side of the women's game. From union to league women's rugby is growing rapidly and currently the USA women's national rugby league team is seeing the upside of union players, and league, making the switch in hopes of representing USA on the national stage. Haley Sheldon is a magnificent example of someone who started playing union and gave rugby League a chance only to be rewarded with great honor in not only getting her first test cap but also helping the USA Hawks in participating for world cup qualifications recently. Although falling just shy of qualifying for the next women's world cup, the USA Hawks and Haley have taken significant steps forward in growing women's rugby league in America where only a few years ago no such game was being played. 

LLR- Since when have you started playing rugby league?

HS- My rugby career started with the code of Union playing in college at

Salisbury University. Two years back, I began playing League

domestically with the Jacksonville AxeWomen as a Centre.

LLR- What drew you to rugby league?

HS- League instantly had me hooked from the first practice. The game

itself is absolutely insane; the team tackling effort coupled with the
speed of play while having a limited number of tackles was very
intriguing to me.

LLR- What was the emotions when you got the notification being selected to the USA HAWKS?

HS- Off the heels of participating in the NRL Combine hosted earlier in

the year in Las Vegas, I attended a USARL East Coast League Camp in
early May then rolled into my domestic season with the AxeWomen in
early June.  After having a successful domestic season, I received an
invitation to the USARL Hawk's selection camp in September. I then
traveled to Denver to compete along side some of USA's most talented
women League athletes to shoot my shot. I was totally stoked when I
got the official selection email to represent my country in the
Women's World Cup Qualifiers. Realizing this was the first time the
USA would play in a League Qualifier felt super exciting and playing
at this level had been a goal since the start of my career.

LLR- For those who aren't aware, what was the preparation like in lead up to the world cup qualifiers?

HS- Leading up to the WWCQ the preparation was extremely individual both

physically and financially. Since the women's competition is in the
initial growth stages in the US the athletes do not receive
compensation and are not afforded the opportunity to train together as
we are spread all across the country. The athletes work with a
strength and conditioning coach virtually through the USARL but for
me, I utilized our domestic coaches to hit my peak performance matrix
since they know my abilities best.

 It started with first round selections camps with weights and fitness
included and then another selection camp a few months prior in Denver
CO, where final selections were made. The team then flew in from
everywhere across the country 3 days before our first game against
Canada , where we had 2 a days, film sessions, workouts, etc. Then
continued through our game against Canada less than a week after
everyone arrived.

LLR- First thought that came into your head when the final whistle blew During qualifications?

HS-We beat Jamaica our first round and then fell short against Canada

in the qualifying match. This was painful, not the result we wanted but
that's sport and I know that the team will only continue to improve
from here.

LLR- What's been a highlight thus far playing with the axewomen?

HS- Playing for the AxeWomen has brought my love for rugby to a place I

never even knew existed. The team is truly an Axe family, our owner
Drew Slover is an amazing leader and makes sure every athlete feels
valued by the club. The women train with the men which personally
pushed me to new heights in my individual game. The head coach, Sean
Rutgerson, has established a mentality of winning as the only option
as well as personal accountability which is something I jived with
from the start.

  Honestly, my highlight comes with every time I step on the pitch and am

able to represent the Axe. I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a
special group of people and culture.

LLR- This year was a pretty monumental season for women's rugby league, what was the highs and lows during the season?

HS- One of the definitions of "highs" this year was USA hosting it's first

domestic Women’s League National Championship. There were six
competitive teams representing multiple regions this season, something
that has been a goal since the formation of the USARL's Women's
Committee who have been dedicated to domestic growth. Another would
have to be the NRL combine in Vegas where a limited number of elite
level US men and women athletes to got exposure to the NRL competition
which spread awareness across US market immensely. Notable lows were
overcome by the dedication of so many pushing to see the sport rise
for the women, like losing our Hawks Women's coaching staff 3 weeks
prior to the WWCQ. The athletes had to conform to new staff and new
coaching methodology in record time which played a role in the mental
aspect of the game.

LLR- Where would you like to see the women's game be in the next 5 years?

HS-In the next 5 years, I would love to see professional full time rugby

league athletes in America receiving compensation with pathways to
compete within the NRL. Female athletes need league as an option for
their future it needs to start with our youth at the elementary level
then high schools having teams, more college scholarships and NCAA
teams not only for League but also Union.

LLR- Can players play both union and league ?

HS- Absolutely players can play both union and league, most players do.

The only hindrance of this is that as we try and grow rugby league in
the states we need athletes to commit and prioritize their dedication
to league so that we can make more progress and compete at a higher
level.

LLR- To the potential players who maybe on the fence about coming out or maybe playing the union code, what would you like to tell them about taking the chance to come out and play rugby league ?

HS- For union players thinking about trying rugby league, being a women's

rugby player is a niche already, but being a women's rugby league
player will make you fall even more in love with the sport. You have a
chance to be part of a movement and make a difference in an incredible
sport with lots of opportunity for growth.

LLR- How can everyone follow you and the Axewomen this coming year ?

HS-Everyone can follow the AxeWomen through the insta @jaxaxeman for

steaming links, updates, etc.