After winning Dally M Fullback of the Year and getting named to return to PNG in the PM’s XIII side, Abbi Church thought her season couldn't get any better – until she also received a call up to the Jillaroos.
The Parramatta star’s selection in the Harvey Norman Australian Jillaroos squad for Pacific Championships caps a huge year that also saw her finish two votes shy of overall Dally M winner Olivia Kernick.
“It was a massive shock to be honest, I bawled my eyes out for a long time,” Church said of the phone call she received from coach Brad Donald about her selection.
“Every time I spoke about it to someone – I had to call my parents, they're overseas, so I had to call them and let them know – and every time, I just couldn't even get the words out.
PM’s XIII PNG v AUS: Women’s
“It's been really exciting. It's been a massive few weeks and I'm just trying to take it day by day.
“Obviously, this [Prime Minister’s XIII] comes first this week, and I'm trying not to look too far ahead at this current time, but I'm honestly very grateful and honoured for all of this that I get to experience and be a part of.
“It was obviously just a dream that I never even thought that I would come close to and to get the call up this year, I honestly I am pinching myself every single day.
“I'm very grateful for the opportunity and I just can't wait to rip in.”
Church v Upton
Church scored a try for the Australian Prime Minister’s side in their 56-4 win in Port Moresby last year, but knows the game is about so much more than just the result.
The Prime Minister’s tours to Papua New Guinea are also about embracing and sharing culture, and for the women, also helping to elevate the status of female athletes.
“I think last year was obviously it was my first experience, so I didn't know what to expect … (but) I loved last year, so I've been super excited this week and telling about the girls the culture over there,” Church said.
“They have massive rugby league culture, and they really embrace you in everything that we do.
“(And) as much as it is obviously a fun week, it is about sending a strong message, we're over there to spread the word and to obviously do a job as well. I think it's really important and the PM's game, it serves a purpose.
“I'm excited to be a part of spreading that message and trying to be a part of that cultural shift over there.”
Once the Australian side touches back home after the game, Church, Kezie Apps and Lauren Brown will be straight into Jillaroos camp, with Church relishing the chance to spend an extended period of time with the national co-captain.
“Kezie’s been huge, having her in the squad and leading us as captain this week has been has been really good, she just brings up the energy and she is a true professional,” Church said.
“I've had a little bit to do with Kezie in the past in terms of country championship games, but having this whole week with her, best believe I'll be picking her brain.
“I think it's really exciting, too, that I don't just get this one week with her, I get a couple of weeks past here (PMs camp), and I'm just going to be a sponge and I'm going to take as much as I can and I will just be trying to grab that from left, right and centre.”
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