Sydney Roosters-bound Isabelle Kelly has put the inaugural NRL Women’s Premiership on notice following a best-on-ground performance in NSW’s historic State of Origin victory with Newcastle teammate Kylie Hilder expecting more of the same later this year.
The Jillaroo scored two tries, including the match-winner in a 16-12 triumph over Queensland at North Sydney Oval on Friday night, and received the Nellie Doherty Medal.
Hilder “wasn’t surprised at all” by the 20-year-old centre.
“That’s what she’s capable of and how she plays for us at Newcastle every week,” Hilder told the Newcastle Herald. “She loves coming in and getting involved in all the tough stuff, can finish off and is so strong and powerful.”
Hilder, who was picked for the Blues but sidelined with a knee injury, will join Kelly at the Roosters in September.
Newcastle representatives Bec Young, Holli Wheeler and Hannah Southwell were also part of the Origin triumph for NSW.
Meanwhile, fellow CRL Newcastle player Jayme Fressard last week signed with the Brisbane Broncos for the upcoming NRL Women’s Premiership.
