An Olympic class bobsledder has made a surprising career change, signing to play rugby league with the Wests Tigers.
Ashleigh Werner, 30, a powerhouse outside back, has represented Australia for the past six years and qualified for the past two Olympic games.
“I missed one with COVID and the other because Australia decided not to send a women’s team so it’s been incredibly frustrating,” Werner told Wide World of Sports.
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“That’s why I am so chuffed to get this chance at rugby league and so grateful to the Tigers.
“I lost heart for a while there but have my competitive spirit back again.”
Werner makes her Tigers debut in the NSW Cup on Saturday against Cronulla at Campbelltown and appears certain to earn a contract for the club’s step up to the NRLW later in the year.
“It was a real challenge, changing sports and training styles,” she said.
“For the last few years I haven’t run further than 60 metres at any one time.
“Our first training session at the Tigers, we did a 1.5km time trial and that was tough.
“I’ve played two trials and scored three tries, but I think the best part of my game is my defence and that’s what I like to concentrate on.
“I played some rep touch football and also played for North Sydney a few years back so I’m not a total stranger to league.”
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