Papua New Guinea's Elsie Albert is ready to wreak havoc in the opening round of the National Rugby League women's competition this weekend.
Elsie Albert is the first player from a PNG domestic competition to be signed by an NRLW club. Photo: Facebook / PNG National Rugby League Competition
The PNG Orchids captain signed for the St George Illawarra Dragons last month and will create history when she makes her NRLW debut against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
"I just need to be who I am and I need to be who I'm used to being on the field, just bring that mongrel in the front and not only in defence but attacking wise as well."
The 24 year old trailblazer starred for the Souths Logan Magpies in this season's Holcim Cup and chose to sign for the Dragons over rival clubs so she could continue to play alongside her Magpies teammate, Australian international Steph Hancock.
"We're the forwards at the Souths so I thought it would be better if we bring our combinations together to the Dragons," she said.
"Steph is my mentor, my role model and because she's moving here I thought it's a dream and I should just play with my role model and choose this club."
Elsie Albert was at her damaging best against England! pic.twitter.com/L6kMJ2EC8l
— Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) November 17, 2019
Albert was the first player from a PNG domestic competition to be signed by an NRLW club.
A finalist for the 2019 International Rugby League Women's Golden Boot Award, Albert was proud to be representing PNG and to have the support of the country behind her.
"To be the first one coming out from PNG to play in the NRLW, it's big news back home and everyone is excited and they can't wait to watch me play on Saturday," she said.
"Everyone back home is really excited that I get to play in the NRLW. I'm just stoked, it's been one of my goals for this year to make an NRLW team and to have that dream come true is just amazing and I'm very very excited."
The utility forward wanted to open the door for other women in Papua New Guinea to take up the 13-a-side game.
"In PNG, most people say rugby league is not a female sport back home but for me to come all this way, I want to be an example that women in PNG can play rugby league at this level," she said.
"I'm paving the way for other girls to follow if they wish to play at this level as well. We have what it takes and if they want to come here and give it a go, then I definitely encourage them to."
Rugby league fans could expect to see Albert in her prime this weekend.
After moving to Brisbane earlier this year, in an attempt to earn a contract in competition, the PNG forward picked up the most valuable player award for the club in her first season.
Congratulations to our Orchid's Power Meris, Elsie Albert and Therese Aiton on their amazing run in the Holcim Cup with the South Logan Magpies this year! Elsie took out the clubs Nat Dwyer Most Valuable Player award while Therese took out the Renae Kunst Best Forward Award.#PNG pic.twitter.com/2F3pZfJoiE
— PNG Orchids (@PNGOrchids) September 7, 2020
"I've learnt a lot in the short amount of time that I've been here. In PNG we play rugby league, but we don't play at this level," she explained.
"In Australia everyone is fitter, faster, and the competition is very well structured. Playing here has lifted me to another new level of playing footy and it's been awesome learning a lot of new things."
Albert hoped to maintain her momentum in the women's competition, and was anticipating another first to her list of achievements, with a NRLW winning premiership to finish off a remarkable debut season.
Women's Dragons 2020 jersey presentation. Photo: Facebook / St George Illawarra Dragons
