Star centre Isabelle Kelly says she’s ready to take the next leadership step in her career after being appointed captain of the Roosters’ NRLW side ahead of their title defence starting against Parramatta on Saturday.
Kelly’s appointment was officially announced at the Roosters' home game on Saturday with the 25-year-old to replace close friend Corban Baxter, who will miss the season after announcing her pregnancy in June.
It marks another joyful return to the Roosters for Kelly, who believes the adversities and challenges she’s overcome in her career and life so far will hold her in good stead to lead the Tricolours.
“I’m stoked, I think Corbs is such an amazing leader and she’s one of my best friends so I hope I can do at least half a good job as her,” Kelly told NRL.com.
“I definitely feel like I’m ready. I’ve gone through the adversities and struggles in my career to grow as a player and individual to handle this next opportunity.
“We have a really young team this year and it’s going to be good for them to look up to our leadership group.
I want to lead by example on and off the field and show the girls that anything is possible.
Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly
Kelly burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old in 2015, going on to play for NSW before making her debut for the Jillaroos two years later.
She took out the 2018 Golden Boot award for world’s best player before a move to the Dragons in 2020 ended in a winless campaign, an ankle injury and Origin defeat.
Isabelle Kelly was the difference
Kelly said those times made her stronger, along with learning to manage the increased spotlight and scrutiny herself and fellow NRLW players are beginning to endure in the women’s game.
“It’s been a massive thing for me the last few years,” she said.
“From the hard times you always learn how to be stronger in hard situations and I’ve done the work to become more resilient.
“I now use it all as motivation and drive, for me to be a better player. I know what I’m capable of and know what I can do and just want to showcase that.
“There’s a lot of people out there that don’t believe we should be playing rugby league but I think we’re showcasing that every NRLW season, every Origin game and every Test match.”
The Roosters will go into the 2022 NRLW season as the defending champions, unfamiliar territory, which Kelly added is an exciting challenge with rival teams looking to knock them off top spot this year.
“I think it’s going to be good for us to use that as motivation whereas last season we were written off quite early,” Kelly said.
“The pressure comes with winning a premiership but I personally love pressure. We’ve lost a few girls but we’ve got some new recruits and overall I think it’s a really good squad.
“Everyone is humble and willing to learn and be even better than what we were. I think we’re going to still be very strong contenders.”
This article contains content that is only available on NRL.com
The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off this Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets.