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Regional | League

Former International netball duo swap netball bib for rugby league boots.

ANZ Steel teammates, Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit and Katarina Cooper didn't hesitate to answer a callout message on the Raukawa Ki Runga Maori rugby League Facebook page, looking for players for this weekend's Wahine Division. The biggest turnout with eight teams registered this year, however for the pair they weren't expecting the challenge they faced first up.

Today the former International netball duo swapped the netball bib for the rugby league boots.

Te Huinga Selby-Ricktt and Kararaina Cooper have been known for their flare on the netball court, but for the former steel player, Katarina Cooper it was a tough welcome to the footy field.

The pair, who only last weekend were first introduced to playing rugby league, got a taste of the physicality’s associated with the sport in a pre-season fixture before taking the field today at Wise Park, Wainuiomata.

For the first time, Raukawa ki Runga entered teams in all three sections, the Waka, Rohe and first timers to the Wahine division.

Unbeknown to the duo their first challenge was to face a very experienced side, Te Mahurehure, who have a number of current NZ Maori Wahine Toa, Kiwi Ferns players including Atawhai Tupaea

The Kiwi Ferns centre was also unaware the opposition team had two former netball internationals.

Although Raukawa ki Runga went down 32 to nil, Te Huinga and Cooper said they both enjoyed the game, and look forward to playing again tomorrow.