Rugby league player Nancy Sullivan admits she’ll be very nervous running onto Suncorp Stadium for Queensland Schoolgirls against New South Wales in a curtain raiser to the third State of Origin on July 13.

After all, the Murri and Islander Leader at Nambour State College will be playing for a spot in the Australian School Girls side.

But the 16-year-old lock/second rower who is vice-captain of Palmwoods Devils Under 17 girls team and plays in Nambour Crushers Open Women’s team will be buoyed by the thought of wearing maroon for her family, her clubs and for her home town of Cherbourg where she lived until recently. 

“I am passionate about football and so happy to be selected in the team. I’ll be very nervous because it’s a much bigger crowd than I’m used to but I’m proud to have come this far and I think it will be okay,” she said at Nambour Crushers training on Tuesday night (June 7). “When I make a rep side it means a lot to me because it shows my siblings a pathway they can follow to fulfil their dreams and it shows my community what’s possible,” the oldest of seven said. 

Nancy now lives in Woombye with her mum and dad and siblings and her life revolves around a blossoming rugby league career. “I like to help out around the club,” she said. “I do a bit of coaching and give advice to the young players about tackling and passing and I take some drills.”

Nancy was looking forward to mixing in the rarified atmosphere Suncorp which will be the first-ever Schoolgirls clash against New South Wales.  

“We get to pick out who we want to hand the jersey to us. I’m hoping to get indigenous player Tamika Upton from the Broncos,” she said. 

• Nancy is trying to raise funds to help pay for her accommodation, transport and football gear. If you wish to help her fulfil her dreams please contact her parents Kenny Sullivan (0423 930 073) or Loretta Chambers (0492 453 638) for more information.