Newcastle back-rower Yasmin Clydsdale will cap one of the most satisfying years by an NRLW player if she’s able to lift the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership trophy on Sunday.
The Scone local is one of four Knights players in the grand final line-up who are chasing a rare double of back-to-back NRLW titles after switching clubs between both seasons this year.
Clydsdale played an instrumental part in the Roosters’ 2021 premiership-winning triumph in April, which was played late due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She then married former Knights and Raiders hooker Adam Clydsdale a couple of weeks after the victory before being part of NSW’s State of Origin win in Canberra.
The only two things left for the 28-year-old to do this year is help the Knights to their first NRLW title and get picked in the Australian Jillaroos squad for the World Cup in November.
“It has been a crazy year and to top it all off with a grand final win would be amazing,” Clydsdale told NRL.com.
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“When I got to the Knights it was like coming home. I really do credit our coach Ron [Griffiths] and the club for creating a culture and getting the girls to take part in days where you’re not just learning about each other on field but away from it.
“Learning about people’s habits outside a game and their personalities has really shown this season on the field and we’re all happy to be around each other.
“It baffles me how great the development has been at the club too, our depth is amazing and we’ve had a lot of girls who don’t get the accolades step up this season.”
While Clydsdale has special memories during her time at the Roosters, a possible premiership with the Knights will overtake it on her list of achievements.
“Going to Coles and getting my groceries this morning people were wishing me good luck and chasing me down the street saying good luck,” she said.
“My neighbours have put Knights flags out for me, it’s just those little things I didn’t really get in April when I was playing for the Roosters.
“You can kind of see how much football means in the Upper Hunter. I think it’s an honour and really take it in my stride that I want to represent those people and where I come from as much as I can.
“They loved when I played for the Roosters but playing for my hometown I think it will mean a little more.”
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Another big performance from the consistent back-rower is likely to see her picked in Brad Donald’s Jillaroos squad for the World Cup.
Her combination with Kirra Dibb on the left edge has been strong while the likes of Bobbi Law and Emma Paki ensure the Eels will be in for a tough afternoon.
“Our middles work so hard for each other and earn that right to go out on the edges,” Clydsdale said.
“If we can do that and play our normal game I think we can put it together.”
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