Cherrington hungry for more after NRLW debut catches Origin attention

Kennedy Cherrington isn't a household name in rugby league yet but her performance for the Roosters on NRLW debut last weekend has got everyone talking, including NSW coach Andrew Patmore.

Patmore is on the lookout for at least two forwards ahead of State of Origin on November 13 with incumbents Holli Wheeler (knee) and Takilele Katoa (pregnancy) sidelined for the interstate clash.

Cherrington was among the top performers in round one against the Dragons with an eye-catching 37-minute effort that included 17 carries and 148 metres in the side's win at GIO Stadium.

The Western Sydney product spent most of her childhood in Perth playing rugby league before being enticed back to Sydney to sign a rugby union contract with the NSW Waratahs.

Her return to the 13-a-side game came via the Sharks system in the NSW Harvey Norman Women's Premiership in July due to COVID-19 cancelling major rugby competitions in the state.

"I'm still on the books with rugby but I'm just going with the flow," Cherrington told NRL.com.

"I've really been enjoying league, I think it plays to my strengths more than union does and I'm really grateful I've been able to finally play a season.

"My dad got a job to work in the mines over in Perth and put us into junior rugby league but there wasn't a lot on offer when I got a bit older.

"I moved back to Sydney to chase a union dream but those plans have changed.

"Tiana Penitani actually got me to play for the Sharks and I didn't think I'd end up at the Roosters but it's been a weird year.

"Who knows where I'll go in the future, I'm just happy to be involved in women's sport."

Cherrington will be joined by Wallaroos teammate and captain Grace Hamilton on the bench for Saturday's clash against the Warriors at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

The pair have spent three seasons at the Waratahs together with Hamilton also expected to do a job in the middle of the paddock for Jamie Feeney.

"Union is clinical and territorial and is a backs game if you have the right team," Cherrington said.

"I found the Sharks-Roosters game in the Harvey Norman competition a few weeks ago a bit faster and all over the place but the NRLW was a lot more clinical and technical on the field.

"There's a lot smarter play. One of my points of difference is the aggressive attitude I bring – just to get the go-forward.

"I was glad I came off the bench so I could bring the impact. We're creating something at the Roosters after starting fresh so I can't wait for the next game already."