Australian Jillaroos fullback Sam Bremner is preparing for a physical battle against the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns when the two sides clash at GIO Stadium on Friday.
After knocking over the Kiwi Ferns in the Auckland Nines tournament with a commanding 3-0 effort for the first time in February, Australia has the upper hand and confidence leading into the third annual Anzac clash.
However with the Kiwi Ferns dominating the corresponding Test match back in May last season with a 26-16 victory in Newcastle, the chance to jag a victory back in the longer format of the game is something Bremner said the side has been focused on for over six months.
"[The preparation] has pretty much started from November last year, we went into our first Jillaroos training camp and its been full steam ahead since then," Bremner told NRL.com.
"We've been up in camp in Queensland for the last week and the squad got narrowed down from around 25 to 18 for this game in Canberra.
"The best thing is everyone is so motivated and dedicated at the moment so its good to be apart of that and there is no reason why it cant flow through the rest of the year.
"Apart from Origin, there is nothing like a test match against the New Zealand girls, it brings the best out in everyone.
"They're a big physical side and got us last year so we really want to turn that around."
While the New Zealand haka is a thrill for fans in the crowd, standing 10 metres away from the war cry is even more exhilarating for the Helensburgh product.
"It's great to watch, we're obviously nice and close to view it and if you think you're up for the game, watching those girls do the haka certainly lifts you even more," Bremner said.
"You're always so patriotic and humble when you play for your country, it's where you're brought up and I feel so proud to wear the Australian jersey.
"It's good to just play against a side that are just as passionate as you are."
The double-header on Friday with the men's counterpart match is another strong initiative by the NRL to promote the women's game.
Injured Kangaroos duo Greg Inglis and Matt Scott were guests at Jillaroos training in Canberra on Tuesday to offer their advice to the girls leading into the clash in the nation's capital.
"At the end of the day we're all in it for the love of the sport and are committed to taking the game further into the future," Bremner said.
"The NRL have done a superb job in creating pathways and allowing us to showcase our sport, it gives girls so many more opportunities to get to experience what we do as Jillaroos."
NRL.com will stream the Women's game live on Friday from 5.30pm AEST.
This article first appeared on NRL.com
