England Women have three standout half-back options for the Rugby League World Cup, and Stuart Barrow has chosen to start Izzy Rowe and Georgia Roche in the opening match against Wales on October 17. Jenna Foubister, the reigning Woman of Steel, will begin on the bench.
The selection battle highlights how far the women’s game in England has come. Foubister and Rowe are Wigan stars and best friends, while Roche, a former Woman of Steel, has been making her mark in the NRLW, Australia’s elite women’s rugby league competition.
Barrow is preparing his side for three pool games, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. England face Wales first, then Australia and Samoa in what promises to be a tough pool-stage run.
Barrow: a tough squad to pick
Barrow described the call-ups as the greatest honour of his coaching career. “It is a massive moment for my career. It is the greatest honour to coach your country and to do it in a World Cup, I am really excited,” he said.
The head coach named his 23-player squad from a group of 40 selected on September 2. “One of the toughest things I have ever experienced is picking this squad,” Barrow said. “Sleepless nights, difficult phone calls, but we are where we are now.”
He explained that the decision came down to balance, the way England want to play and the opposition they will face. Barrow also pointed to the depth of talent now available. “The growth of the women’s game now shows that we have such an amazing talent pool coming through and a wider and deeper talent pool,” he said. Four years ago, he noted, the squad almost picked itself.
Rowe: a dream come true
Rowe knows she will battle for her shirt throughout the tournament, yet she is living a childhood dream alongside Foubister. “It is a massive dream come true. It is something I have wanted for a long time,” she said.
Rowe also highlighted the strength of the group, with eight of her team-mates from Wigan in the squad. “I feel very comfortable around the girls, we know how each other works and plays,” she said. She praised Roche as one of the best half-backs England has, adding that she has watched Roche since she was a young girl.
Rowe summed up her feelings about the competition for the number seven shirt with a simple message. “Jenna is my best mate so whoever plays, I am going to be so proud.”