Mahalia Murphy is mobbed wherever she goes.
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The Wallaroos star, who has an ambassador role with Rugby Australia, is a regular at sevens events and junior tournaments across the county.
She watches games, signs autographs and helps out where possible.
At the Scone Sevens two years ago, Maitland breakaway Zoe Hall plucked up the courage to ask Murphy to give her side some pointers.
It was the start of a friendship that was further fostered on social media and recently led to Murphy making a couple cameo appearances for the Blacks and working with the club's junors.
"After the Scone sevens, Zoe messaged me on social media and we have become good friends," Murphy said.
"A few months ago, she asked if I could come up and help out at Maitland. At the time I was contracted to the Australian sevens and had commitments.
"But knowing that the fifteens was coming up and I needed a bit of game time, I thought maybe that could be an opportunity. I have been up here every second weekend for the past two months."
Murphy has played two games for the Blacks, the most recent a win over University-Easts a fortnight ago.
"We have three 17-year-olds in our team and the experience she has provided has been amazing," said Maitland coach and former Wallaroo Kelly Sager.
"After the game, she hung around with a couple of our backs and did some catching and passing, working with them on running onto the ball. She was happy to help out and do whatever was needed. She didn't want to be the star, she was there to help out and get a few games under her belt ahead of the Test matches."
Murphy is expected to start at fullback for the Wallaroos against Japan at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
The Australians have been in camp in Newcastle and had a modified hit out against Japan on Tuesday.
With her first touch, Murphy produced some fancy footwork to leave two defenders clutching at air and make a line break.
She later threw the final pass for a try and showed her strength to win a penalty at the break down.
"It was good for all the girls in the squad to have a crack and put their hands up for positions," Murphy said.
Former Wallaby fly-half and assistant coach Stephen Larkham has joined the Wallaroos in camp this week.
"He has some really good ideas, especially when it comes to the back three," Murphy said. "We have done some work on counter attack and linking with the backs in general play. It's been awesome having him here."
Officials are hopeful of turnout of more than 5000 at No.2 Sportsground, the first women's test in Newcastle since 2001.
"Newcastle is a a very strong sporting community," Murphy said. "Having games like this in regional areas, will create more awareness and garner more support."
Murphy plays club rugby for the Campbelltown Harlequins in the Sydney Women's competition.
Since the end of the Super W, in which Murphy played a leading role in NSW's win over Queensland in the final, players in an extended Wallaroos squad have been undertaking satellite programs in their states.
"The girls have really shown how much they have been working in their states," Murphy said. "Hopefully it results in a good performance on Saturday."
