Heidi Regan’s a little nervous ahead of Saturday’s Country Championship semi-final against Group 7-Illawarra at Raiders Belconnen.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With good reason, too.
Western went down to Southern in the opening round of last year's league tag titles, and a host of the girls that participated in the 30-6 thrashing will line-up for the Group 7-Illawarra outfit this weekend.
Regan, playing with the Cargo Blue Heelers in the Woodbridge Cup, was part of the Rams set-up in 2016.
And as a member of the team again 12 months on, she’s picked up on one very big difference that she’s tipping will enable Western to not only compete with the southern girls, but knock them off in 2017.
“The support we give to each other, we’ve just bonded so well this year. It’s heaps better than last year,” she said.
“It should be a good game, but I’m a bit nervous.
“I’m confident at the same time. We’re going great.”
Going great is probably an understatement.
While much of the region’s focus has been on the under 23s mammoth 62-0 loss in round one, the Rams’ league tag outfit has been sublime.
Under the watchful eye of Mick Armstrong, the Rams girls have knocked off Monaro 18-14 and then took care of business in round two against Riverina, 22-6 no less.
Last year was good but I reckon this year has been even better.
- Heidi Regan
It was as emphatic as it was surprising, especially given Western’s efforts last season.
But Regan says the professional nature in which the team prepares – they assemble each Friday, train, enjoy dinner and then take part in a video session – has enabled the group to instantly click.
“Last year was good but I reckon this year has been even better,” she added.
Regan will start on the right wing for Western and, when Bears gun Sophie Stammers has a rest, she’ll take on the custodian roll at the back.
The Cargo ace is as fast as anyone in her team. “Speed’s my No.1,” she laughed.
Western takes on Group 7-Illawarra from 11am on Saturday at Raiders Belconnen.