Elly earned selection in the 2017 Cronulla Sharks Tarsha Gale team last season. This season is her second with the Shire’s under 18s women’s team.

Older brother, Tom, who earned the Goulburn Bulldogs Rookie of the Year and coaches award in first grade, although still playing under 18s, is trialling with Cronulla for a spot in the Sharks’ Jersey Flegg under 20s team.

The trials run for four weeks and include training most days of the week for several hours.

Both Tom and Elly were late in taking up rugby league. Tom originally played soccer before a mate, Tom Whittaker, invited him to join his Goulburn Stockmen’s team. When Tom became interested in playing rugby league, Elly would practise with him.

“I never would have pictured myself playing rugby league, let alone for Cronulla Sharks,” Elly said. “It’s such a big milestone in my life and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

“I went from playing basketball all my life and having Tom playing soccer. Now we are both chasing our rugby league dreams.

“Ever since we started playing league our bond has become closer. Tom has been my biggest supporter through this crazy football journey and my biggest inspiration. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.” 

Elle started playing league for Goulburn in 2015, joined the Canberra rep side the same year and again in 2016.

Last year she was invited to trial for Cronulla and was selected into a squad of 20 from more than 100 girls.

“This will be my second year playing for Cronulla and I’m still so overwhelmed about how far I’ve come in only three years,” she said.

“I am really grateful for the support I have received from family, friends and the Goulburn Old Footballers (GOFS) who fundraise money towards fuel vouchers to get me to and from training twice a week is a great help.”

“Rugby league for women has come so far in the last few years; us younger girls now have a pathway to professional football.

“I’m so honoured to be a part of history, playing for Cronulla in the first Tarsha Gale Cup competition.”