Shontelle Stowers was destined to play Rugby League, and it was a push from her old Rugby Union coach, Jason Stanton, that gave her the faith to switch to the greatest game of all.
Stanton gave Stowers the opportunity to play for the Sharks in the Women’s 9s in 2017, and ever since then, she has always worn a Rugby League jersey.
"A Nines opportunity came about with the Sharks in league because my old Sevens coach Jason Stanton became the coach of the Sharks,” Stowers told NRL.com
“He appreciated the way I liked to play and encouraged me to come over and give the Nines a try."
Stowers, now a Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Origin player and leader of the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Women’s premiership, has endured a torn ACL, torn hamstring and broken wrist in her sporting career but has persevered through the tough times to continue doing what she loves.
Her strength and ability to constantly improve on her form despite numerous setbacks is why coach Rob Capizzi named her as one of the leaders at North Sydney, alongside Origin teammate Kirra Dibb.
“Kirra and Shontelle are in our leadership group that I always confer with," Capizzi told NSWRL.com.au
"They model the expected behaviours we would like to see in a footy team by doing extras before training and when they're on the field they carry themselves in a way that is noticeable they are representative players."
After making her NSW Origin debut in 2019, Stowers has continued to push her claims as a rising talent in Women’s Rugby League, scoring four tries alone for the Bears this season.
She will be a key force in helping the foundation club progress through to the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership finals.
