Still gives me chills: Murphy back where it all began with Jillaroos
The memories came flooding back the moment Mahalia Murphy landed on the Gold Coast on Sunday morning.
The forward had arrived for her first Jillaroos camp since 2015. Plenty has changed in that time, but it didn't take long for the similarities to emerge.
The Australian side is staying at the same hotel and playing at the same venue where Murphy made her Test debut nine years ago.
On that occasion, a young, exciting back scored a hat-trick and claimed player of the match honours as the Jillaroos defeated New Zealand 22-14.
It's been nine years but Murphy's debut is fresh in her mind as she prepares to make her second international appearance when Australia take on the PNG Orchids at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Inside Camp: Mahalia Murphy
"It's still the highlight of my career and I think it will stay my biggest highlight," Murphy said. "To be able to debut nine years ago, get a hat-trick, player of the match, defeat New Zealand and have my family there to watch me play for Australia on home soil, I don't think you could've asked for a better debut than that.
"Looking back, it still gives me chills thinking about it. It's funny reflecting back because we were at the same hotel and we were playing at the same field but I'm nine years older.
"The game has evolved so much since then so I'm excited to be able to be here and in this position to play again."
Match: Jillaroos v PNG Orchids
Week 1 -
home Team
Jillaroos
away Team
PNG Orchids
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Murphy has taken the scenic route from her maiden appearance in 2015 to Friday night's return to Suncorp Stadium.
With opportunities limited in rugby league a decade ago, she transitioned to rugby union and made her Wallaroos debut in 2017.
Murphy featured at two Rugby World Cups and also part of the highly successful sevens program.
She returned to rugby league in 2023 with Parramatta and was named Eels captain for this year's NRLW campaign.
Murphy concedes she feared another opportunity to play for the Jillaroos would not eventuate but now she's back in the squad, she's eager to make the most of her second chance.
"I came in very young and was new to the game in 2015," she said. "I remember being very quiet and shy. I've been able to go through some teams and experience some rep teams in rugby before coming back to league.
"I learnt a lot over the last nine years. I know what it takes to be an elite athlete, a professional and a good person.
"It was always a hope I'd represent the Jillaroos again. I had always hoped to put my best foot forward and get the call up, but there's been a lot of girls that have been playing the game over the last couple of years that have been great so I was stoked to get the call up."
While Murphy is preparing for her second Australian appearance, teammate Quincy Dodd is set to make her international debut at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
The camp has provided Dodd with the chance to reconnect with Indigenous All Stars coach, and Jillaroos assistant, Jess Skinner.
The hooker has proudly worn Australia's training jersey adorned with First Nations artwork throughout the week and has relished the opportunity to join a team that has embraced the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"To have this artwork on the jerseys and to play in them, I'm going to keep these jerseys for a very long time," Dodd said. "Hopefully it continues throughout the years and I'm sure we're going to bring other cultures on to this jersey as well.
Quincy Dodd Try
"Jess is an amazing coach, I was lucky enough to be coached by her in the All Stars game.
"She's brought my game to a new level on and off the field. Culturally she's so strong and she's taught us younger Aboriginal girls so much about our culture and who we should be, what we believe in.
"She has even taught us little things about what the Torres Strait Islands and Aboriginal flags mean.
"I'm so grateful she's part of my life and I get to spend this journey with her."
