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It’s a really proud moment, says Knights’ NRLW recruit Desmond

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What Ruan Sims has done for women’s rugby league in general is only matched by Phoebe Desmond’s commitment and dedication to the game in the Hunter Valley – and beyond.

So, it’s fitting the Singleton “legend” is among the Newcastle Knights’ recruits for its debut season in the NRLW in 2022.

The competition was originally slated to kick off last month, however COVID-19 put paid to those plans.

The Knights are now expected to start their preparations early in the new year.

Sims, a successful commentator on the Nine network these days following a stellar career on the field, is widely deemed a pioneer in the women’s format.

But, not far behind on a local level is Desmond, 30.

She’s made a huge contribution to grassroots football and junior development, especially for young girls who want to play rugby league.

The gifted forward’s also played five seasons in the Sydney Metropolitan competition for the Maitland Pickers, the Hunter Stars and North Newcastle as well as for the Newcastle Maitland Knights in the NSWRL Country Championships, claiming the title in 2020.

On top of that, Desmond’s worked in the mines for a decade – and joins an esteemed group of Knights’ players, including Billy Peden, Steve Simpson, Adam Muir, Tony Butterfield, Josh King and more, who have all been part of the industry.

Employed at Glencore’s Bulga Open Cut facility, near Singleton, she operates haul trucks and drill rigs, which are essential to safe and efficient operations. 

“I’m excited about the opportunity, that’s for sure,” she said.

“And, being able to show the other girls out there that we can do both worlds.

“We can have a mining career and we can have a football career – and put them both together.

“During my school days, Steve Simpson’s wife was one of our PE teachers.

“He would often encourage us at footy gala days and give us a couple of wise words of wisdom. 

“As well, Josh King was a Singleton local working here at Bulga Coal.

“He worked hard and set a platform for us, so it would be really good to be on par with him, too.”

Experienced Hunter Valley mine worker Phoebe Desmond is among the recruits to the Newcastle Knights for its new team in the 2021 NRLW.

Blaise Walters is the drill and blast superintendent at Bulga.

Together with Desmond, they’ve agreed flexible working arrangements so she can keep working and train and play NRLW. 

“It is very exciting that we’ve got one of our own with a contract at the Newcastle Knights,” he said.

“We’re all really into the footy here and it’s a great thing for her and for us, which is why we want to support her as much as we can.”

The NSW Minerals Council is a major sponsor of the Newcastle Knights in the NRLW.

Desmond admits she is thrilled that her industry is getting behind the team.

“I was actually gobsmacked when I got the call that NSW Mining would be a major sponsor,” she said.

“It’s a really proud moment.

“I’m really grateful for the support of my employer and my colleagues who are getting right behind me as I prepare for my first NRLW season.

“I’m excited to take my game to that next level and I can’t wait to represent my region on the national stage.” 

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee said the entry of the Knights into the NRLW was a special moment for women’s sport and the mining industry was proud to support it.

“Everyone in mining will be cheering for Phoebe and her teammates when the NRLW gets underway,” he stated.

“We wish them all the best and we’re very proud to back the club and their efforts to grow the game for women as well as for men.”

Desmond has also contested the annual Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League Day where mine workers and the community have raised more than $400,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.  

But, she said her biggest achievement had been establishing the first women’s side in Singleton, including securing sponsorship and recruiting players. 

She’s mentored many youngsters on the field as a player and as a coach, an opportunity that arose after a couple of difficult injuries that kept her on the sideline for extended periods. 

And, now, three of those women Desmond coached in local Hunter Valley teams have also been signed to play for the Knights in the NRLW.

“I never thought that day would come that I would be able to run alongside the girls that I coached in the under-12s and under-14s,” she said.

“It feels fantastic, a real achievement knowing that I helped them out along the way and puts me in a really happy spot.

“As someone with a bit more experience, I hope to be able to bring leadership, focus and a bit of discipline to the team. 

“We’re going to be playing against some high-profile players and the competition is going to be really strong.

“They don’t need to know who we are now, but they definitely will know who we are after we’ve played.”

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