Elusive NRLW trophy next up on Isabelle Kelly’s silverware hit list

Isabelle Kelly’s trophy cabinet is fit to burst — she’s won a World Cup, several Origins, and was the first-ever Women’s Golden Boot medalist in her glittering footy career. There’s one title that’s eluded her though: the NRL Women’s premiership.

The 25-year-old was one of the original Sydney players in the NRLW’s inaugural year. She still carries the #4 on the playing list. Kelly spent a year with the Dragons in 2020, but has returned “home” this year for the delayed 2021 season. And she has one goal.

“It would mean so much to bring the trophy back for the Roosters,” she said.

“I’ve had such a good career ticking boxes, winning things like State of Origin, the World Cup, but I’ve never been able to get the NRL Women’s premiership before and I think we have the team [to do it] this year. I’m really excited with the squad that we’ve got, [and] John Strange is really good, and we have Kylie [Hilder] too.

“They’re already leading us in the correct direction, so we’ll see how we go. Could get an NRLW premiership to start the year, then an Origin win, and a World Cup trophy at the end. We’ll have to see!”

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The biggest question looming over Kelly’s head coming into 2022 is her position; the 2018 Golden Boot winner is currently locked in a three-way duel for the fullback jersey with Jessica Sergis or best friend Corban McGregor.

The trio is in the race to replace departed no.1 Botille Vette-Welsh.

Kelly has mainly played in the centres throughout her career, including in five State of Origin games and her dozen Australian appearances. The 25-year-old has always been considered a lethal game-breaker, however, so getting her hands on the footy from the no.1 spot could be one option for tricolours coach Strange.

The Roosters coach is expected to make a decision ahead of the NRLW’s opening week. Sydney face reigning champs Brisbane at 1.50pm in Newcastle on Feb. 28 to open their 2022 campaign.

In Kelly’s eyes, anything goes. She’s happy to play fullback if needed: “I  want to keep growing this year in my game. I’m open to learning. [Strange] is awesome… he’s a big reason why I keep improving.”

The NRLW trophy may be Kelly’s ultimate goal in 2022, but she’s still embracing the “absolute amazing opportunity” she’s been given every year to play rugby league at the highest level and spearhead women’s footy in Australia.

She said: “It’s so exciting being a foundational player.

“Now, seeing all these young girls coming through, all the players that get an opportunity to play NRLW. I’m excited for them, and it goes to show that the games heading in the right direction. I can’t wait to see where the game goes in the next few years considering this now.”

Win, lose, or draw, Kelly is loving the support the women’s league has already had.

“A big point that I’ve taken out of it is little boys, as well as little girls, they want to get our autograph and want to get to know us. Just goes to show that they’re just as much there to see us as the men.”

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