NRLW

Werner looks forward to her second season

“I think, coming into this season, it has felt a bit different, because we know we had a really good rebuilding year and we just fell a little short in the semis,” says Ashleigh Werner.

Brisbane Broncos winger Ashleigh Werner tackling a Cronulla Sharks opponent in her debut 2023 NRLW season last year.   Photo: NRL Imagery
Brisbane Broncos winger Ashleigh Werner tackling a Cronulla Sharks opponent in her debut 2023 NRLW season last year. Photo: NRL Imagery

“I can’t believe round one is about to start again!” former Australian bobsledder-turned rugby league winger Ashleigh Werner enthused, when speaking to The AJN on Tuesday, ahead of what will be the start of her second NRLW season.

The speedy 31-year-old winger for the Brisbane Broncos is nursing a niggling, but improving foot ligament injury, so is unsure if she will be fit for the Broncos’ women’s opening round game against the Eels at Suncorp Stadium on July 27 from 12.45pm.

Regardless, the Sydney native and her star-studded Broncos squad – coached by Scott Prince and captained by Jillaroos and Queensland halfback Ali Brigginshaw – are excited about their prospects in the 10-team, nine-round season ahead, having placed fourth last year.

They’d finished within a whisker of reaching the grand final, having fallen short by just six points in their semi-final away loss to reigning premiers the Newcastle Knights, in front of more than 12,000 spectators.

“I think, coming into this season, it has felt a bit different, because we know we had a really good rebuilding year and we just fell a little short in the semis,” Werner said.

“So we definitely have the hunger, we’re really honing in on the ‘wanting it’ aspect and we’ve worked extra hard this pre-season on our fitness, so that we’re able to perform when under fatigue.”

Werner scored two tries in her seven games last season for the Broncos, made 406 running metres and an impressive 20 out of 24 tackle attempts.

And in March and April this year, she played in the Queensland premiership season for the first time, scoring six tries in her seven games for the Burleigh Bears, including a hat-trick.

“Coming into a club of the calibre of the Broncos last year felt equally exciting and intimidating, because I knew I was playing with some of the greatest players, in a new sport for me in a professional season, in a new city.

“It was incredible, but going into this season, my focus has been able to be more on developing and applying my skills and the process itself of always, constantly learning, which I love.”

The rapid growth of women’s rugby league, the live televised games, the standard the NRLW has reached and the capacity crowds at the inaugural three-game women’s State of Origin series, excite Werner.

“It’s really inspiring to see – for all the players – and also the talent coming through,” she said.

“It adds fuel to the fire in us, when people are so supportive and interested.”

Werner is also thriving away from the field, recently celebrating her one-year anniversary with fellow athlete, 400m hurdler Bryce Collins, while also enjoying her corporate role and studies.

“Finding balance is so important, but often as an athlete – and I remember from my bobsleigh years – that can often be hard to manage, when you’re that sport-focused.

“But you need to remember you’re a whole person too and I believe that when you are a happier person, you can become a better athlete.”

Ashleigh Werner (front) enjoying the Broncos women’s 2024 NRLW season launch with teammates at Suncorp Stadium on July 5.

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