The England women’s Knights have only had four sessions together but they were put to the test against Rugby League World Cup side, the Cook Islands.
Head Coach of the Knights Lois Forsell said: “It’s a massive experience for our girls, playing in high-pressure games like this.”
“All about their development”
The England Knights team is a new squad and the head of England pathways Stuart Barrow said: “We have under 18s and the senior women’s programme but we didn’t have that link in between.”
The squad was first announced in July and has a host of Super League players.
Despite their experience Barrow also wants these players to push even further “Hopefully, we show signs of progression and signs to play in the next world cup for these players involved today.”
Crowl, has represented England at the world cup in 2017 and can see the change in the development.
“There is so many more opportunities for the women’s game to be growing there.”
‘Great step in that journey’
Forsell herself has played for England at World cup’s and said: “It’s all about their development,” regarding the newly formed Knights squad.
The Knights Centre, Anna Mary-Davies, mirrors the buzz around the squad.
“I’m Super excited I’m slightly older and came into the sport later so I’m super thankful for the opportunity but I’d love to push it on”
The pathway for England rugby league is key for both men and women.
With the introduction of the women’s Knights this strengthens the England setup and Davies believes “People who missed the younger development pathways there is a gap, this fills that gap and gives you the opportunity at a higher level and used to what it would be like.”
