Olympic champion Charlotte Caslick is planning to switch from rugby sevens to rugby league in the hopes of pulling on the Queensland jersey in the State of Origin.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the Rio gold medallist wants to temporarily play for the Sydney Roosters in the NRLW with the women’s sevens cancelled and the Tokyo Olympics postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The 25-year-old’s code switch has been given the nod by Australia’s seven’s coach John Manenti.
“I’ve had some conversations with the Roosters. The success they’ve had in the men’s game makes it a very interesting opportunity for me,” Caslick told the newspaper.
“That would also keep me in Sydney and close to the sevens girls, which is really important to me.”
She said she would “100 per cent” want to run out for the Maroons in Origin if she is good enough to be selected.
“It’s the pinnacle of women’s rugby league and we’ve all seen what a big game it’s become in the last couple of years,” Caslick said.
Caslick scored five tries and set up two others in her first two matches, after returning from injury, at the Sydney Sevens in February before the hosts were knocked out in the semi-finals.
Jacko
Guest
yeah it seems a bit of a "Token gesture" with only 4 teams. Make it 16 teams...Every NRL club needs one
Mich
Guest
You obviously haven't played basketball or netball. I coach girls rugby & they girls love it. They want to know the rules & why they need to do things. They are good at it & can play anything they want. Go the Girls!!!
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
That's the issue, you don't know if he is just tossing grenades to stir the pot, why would you bother doing that or he still has that archaic opinion when it comes to women and sport. Both are pretty sad.
Randy
Roar Rookie
Really need to expand the womens comp to 8 teams. 4 teams is a bit too mickey mouse...
Brian Westlake
Roar Rookie
I think she'd make the men's team at the broncos
jeznez
Roar Guru
Pretty sure he's just trawling. Thought I'd nibble at the bait.
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Nice one. She’s a gun. Disappointed she won’t be coming home to play for the Broncos. But would be happy to see her in a QLD jersey.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
jez, there is still some madness out there as long as he is not taking the p!
jeznez
Roar Guru
They should if they want to, the women and girls I've coached have loved the game. Why deny them that happiness?
ClassAct
Guest
Girls shouldn’t play contact sports. Full Stop.
Adam
Roar Guru
Yep, can't see a switch to League would be financially better than the 7s world circuit
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Good on her and the other women if they want to try League - just don't get injured. There is only so much training you can do, you want to play and who knows when that will be in 7s. I can't imagine Caslick would switch over permanently at this stage. Whilst there are some financial issues with Rugby Australia, I understand the 7s program will continue and be full time so it would be hard to switch from being full time professional to a couple of months of League. Also there is the Olympics which is a bit of a carrot.