Five Cowboys Players Named for U19s State of Origin
Next week, the men’s Under 19s State of Origin in Sydney will feature five players contracted to the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys. Representing Queensland are outside backs Jaxon Purdue and Mutua Brown, second-rower Jamal Shibasaki, and middle forward Mason Kira. Meanwhile, Kaiden Lahrs, also a middle forward, will come off the bench for New South Wales.
Former Leeds Rhinos Star Thrives in Australia
Fran Goldthorp, formerly of the Leeds Rhinos, took a bold step in her career by joining the North Queensland Cowboys to play in the NRLW while continuing her studies in England. This move has proved highly successful.
Embracing New Challenges: Goldthorp’s Journey
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is challenging, yet it can lead to significant personal growth and new opportunities. Fran Goldthorp exemplifies this bravery. At just 20, she left her life in Leeds to join the North Queensland Cowboys for their inaugural NRLW season.
Reflecting on her move, Goldthorp, now 21, said, “Returning to Townsville this year was less daunting. The initial nerves had passed, and I was excited to return.” She recalled the mix of emotions she felt when she first moved: nervousness about potential mishaps and excitement about the opportunities ahead. Despite her anxieties, she knew she couldn’t miss out on such a unique opportunity, even if it meant being away from her family.
Goldthorp was seeking a new challenge after the World Cup and wanted to push herself out of her comfort zone. She saw the move as a chance to grow, knowing that opportunities like this don’t come around often.
Support System and Adaptation
Goldthorp wasn’t the only one making such a significant move. Her former Leeds teammate Georgia Roche joined the Newcastle Knights, and fellow England international Hollie Dodd signed with the Canberra Raiders, becoming the first Betfred Women’s Super League player to join an NRL side. Goldthorp found comfort in knowing she wasn’t alone in adapting to new surroundings.
Living with some of her new teammates helped her settle in Townsville. Since many Australian players also had to relocate, they shared the experience of adapting to a new environment. This mutual adjustment period helped Goldthorp form new relationships and broaden her cultural understanding.
She appreciated the diverse cultural backgrounds within her team and the opportunity to learn about different people’s experiences. Staying in touch with Roche and meeting up with Dodd when playing against Canberra also provided a support network that made the transition smoother.
Impressive Debut and Future Aspirations
Goldthorp had an impressive debut season in Australia, playing in eight out of the Cowboys’ nine games and averaging 144 running meters per game, the highest in the squad. She scored her only try of the season in a match against St George Illawarra Dragons before an elbow injury ended her season prematurely, preventing her from playing for England against Wales.
Despite this setback, both Goldthorp and the Cowboys were keen to extend her stay, taking up the optional second year of her contract. She believes her experience in Australia will benefit England in the upcoming Ashes in 2025 and the next World Cup.
Goldthorp remarked on the higher standard and quicker pace of play in Australia. She felt she held her own and made an impact, which has boosted her confidence. She aims to maintain her performance and secure a long-term position in the NRLW, which would set her up well for future international competitions.
Playing in the NRLW has enhanced her confidence and driven her to improve continuously. The high level of competition ensures that she faces tough games every week, which has helped her develop her defensive play and overall skills. Goldthorp is determined to stay at the top of her game in this highly competitive league.
In summary, Fran Goldthorp’s journey from Leeds to North Queensland has been transformative. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she has not only advanced her rugby career but also experienced significant personal growth and cultural enrichment. Her story is a testament to the rewards of embracing new challenges and opportunities.
