Stuart McLennan
Wests Tigers NRLW utility Sophie Curtain can’t wait to run out with the inaugural NSW Universities Women's team against Qld Universities for a piece of history at North Sydney Oval next Sunday (18 May).
“I'm super excited,” Curtain said.
“I've been fortunate enough to be a part of several inaugural teams in my football career and I'm excited to be able to represent NSW again in the first ever Women's Universities team.”
Curtain is studying a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) at the University of Wollongong.
She may be only 23 years-old but the NSW team will defer to Curtain’s experience having already played 15 NRLW matches, several Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership seasons, and represented NSW Under 18s in 2019.
She is comfortable assuming the role of a leader.
“Our goal is obviously to get a win for NSW in the first match and set the standard for future campaigns,” Curtain said.
“I want to help improve my teammates’ skills and understanding of the game while driving home the impact and importance of playing for NSW, encouraging that passion.”
The students team will take inspiration from the Westpac NSW Blues Women’s victory (32-12) in Game One of the 2025 Origin series at Suncorp Stadium on 1 May.
Game Two of the series is on Thursday 15 May, or three days before the NSW Universities play.
“We have a group chat going and once the girls were up in the beginning of (Game One), I sent a big message cheering for NSW,” Curtain said.
“I said to them before starting training the next day that I hope we can carry that energy into our session. Hopefully while we're in camp, we'll be able to join together to watch that on Thursday night and again take that energy into our game.
Scott Clark is the NSW Universities Women’s head coach, who already has a connection with Curtain.
“I know Scott through the Wests Tigers. He was our Harvey Norman Women's Premiership coach last year,” she said.
“He’s a great coach and gets along with all the girls really well.
“ Obviously he has a depth of knowledge of rugby league as well. It’s nice to have a familiar face in the NSW team.”
On top of her busy schedule preparing to play for the Illawarra Steelers in the upcoming 2025 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership and her university studies, Curtain also runs a sports nutrition business helping fellow athletes.
Looking ahead to game day the utility forward is under no illusions about the size of the challenge for NSW.
“Queensland always put up a big fight,” she said.
“Hopefully on the day we're able to play simple footy and just complete our sets really well. I'm expecting them to be tough as always, and just very competitive until the last whistle.”
An Australian Universities team will be selected following the interstate clash.
NSW Universities 20 player squad (to be reduced to 18 on game day) v QLD Universities at 11am, Sunday 18 May at North Sydney Oval.
Angelina Ballas (Australian Catholic University), Ellie Barnett (Australian Catholic University), Aaliyah Boland (University of Western Sydney), Georgia Clements (Australian Catholic University), Sophie Curtain (University of Wollongong), Gabrielle Davis (University of Canberra), Afi Fauese (Australian College of Physical Education), Ella Fielding (Australian Catholic University), Lola Fletcher (University of Canberra), Bianca Jones (University of Wollongong), Lexis Kaleti (University of Wollongong), Paige Knapp (University of Western Sydney), Josie Lenaz (University of Sydney), Makayla McFadyen (University of Wollongong), Monique McGlynn (Australian Catholic University), Mya McGlynn (University of Canberra), Kirby Maslin (University of Newcastle), Terri-lee Van Wyk (University of Newcastle) Matilda Vella (Australian Catholic University), Ebony Woodcock (University of Newcastle).
