Teenage Knights rookie Lilly-Ann White has credited the backing of some of the biggest names in the NRLW for her stunning rise this season.
White made her NRLW debut on the left wing in Newcastle’s last gasp 26-20 defeat of Canberra and the NSW Under 19s representative looked like she had been playing at the top level for years as she settled into her work.
The 18-year-old scored a try and made a long-range break after catching a kick on her own 30 metre line that turned the game, with Sheridan Gallagher scoring in the 65th minute after White had been tackled just short of the tryline.
Away goes White
“It was definitely a surreal feeling. I’m so happy just to even play,” White said.
“The whole game was really special to me, and not only just to play NRLW but to debut for this team.
“They have won two premierships in a row and the girls are just so amazing, just to play with them is so amazing.”
A graduate of the Knights pathways system, White claimed the 2023 Tarsha Gale Cup Player of the Year award while earning selection for the Australian Schoolgirls and NSW Under 19s teams.
Lilly-Ann White Try
However, she admitted to feeling nervous about the step up from playing Tarsha Gale Cup and the NSWRL Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.
“I guess when I started pre-season training it did feel daunting,” White said.
“The girls have really made me feel a lot more confident in who I am and just to back myself and they always remind me that I am here for a reason and that I deserve to be here.
“I guess it was just more reassurance that I was ready and just to back myself. Be calm and patient and it will all come to me which showed on the field and I’m very happy.”
White reflects on incredible journey to NRLW
Knights coach Ben Jeffries praised White’s performance and revealed the simple advice he offered in the lead up to her much-anticipated debut.
"Basically, catch everything, make some tough carries and go out and enjoy it more than anything else,” Jeffries said. “I thought she handled it really well.”
White said it was a special feeling to make her debut in front of so many family and friends at GIO Stadium, particularly with the Knights snatching a 26-20 win after Tamika Upton was awarded a 69th penalty try.
Tamika Upton Penalty Try
“Knowing that it was in Canberra, I did not think at all I would not have so much support at the ground by family members and friends," she said.
"I had my mum, dad, my siblings, my aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, I had so many that were here for me. I’m just so grateful to have the support crew that I have.”
