Rueben chasing own success after older sister's big rise

Parramatta hooker Rueben Cherrington is emerging from the shadow of her big sister Kennedy by carving out her own niche in the Eels NRLW team.

The 19-year-old only played two games for the Eels last season with Brooke Anderson – now with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks – and former Tongan international Seli Mailangi the first-choice rakes.

Despite the Eels opening the 2023 season with a 36-8 loss to the Wests Tigers, Cherrington was singled out by coach Dean Widders for her never-say-die attitude in a well-beaten team.

“Rueben has been the big improver in our squad in the pre-season after her couple of games last year,” Widders said.

“She’s got a big season ahead of her.”

Against the Wests Tigers, Cherrington made 23 tackles – second only to older sibling Kennedy (31).

She was No.9 in the U19s State of Origin winning NSW sides in 2021 and 2022.

Eels assistant coach Kate Mullaly has witnessed first-hand the improvement in Cherrington, picking her at hooker in her NSW City team last May.

“This is her second season with us and she fought really hard through the pre-season on little things in her game to get that starting No.9 role as we have a couple of hookers in the squad,” Mullaly said.

“Rueben just really stepped up. She worked hard in her off-season, stayed fit, and came into the pre-season in good shape.

“She came out of a hard Harvey Norman (NSW Premiership) season where she played every game for the (Canterbury-Bankstown) Bulldogs including the grand final.

“So consistent good footy got her into the NSW City team.”

Mullaly says there’s no sibling rivalry between the Cherringtons.

“I think it’s more like a role model thing. Kennedy has come back from a few injuries and a few non-selections for a few teams but then stamped her mark on the World Cup,” she said.

Kennedy scored two tries in the Jillaroos 54-4 win over New Zealand in the final. Mullaly was assistant to Australian coach Brad Donald on the six-week tour.

“They are very close and having a big sister like Kennedy to help Rueben and to push her and to show her what hard work can do is a really good thing.”