20 of the best: Why inspirational Apps is still going strong
“It means everything to me. It’s something that I always wanted to do, just to put on that blue jersey and run out for your state – it’s the best feeling ever.”
Those were the words of Westpac NSW Blues back-rower Kezie Apps, aged 25, on what representing NSW meant to her in 2016.
That was just two games into her NSW career in the lead-up to the NSW Women’s first win over Queensland, ending a 17-year wait to claim the then Women’s Interstate Challenge trophy.
Alongside Apps were current Westpac NSW Blues assistant coach Ruan Sims, Westpac NSW Blues captain Isabelle Kelly and True Blues Allana Ferguson, Simaima Taufa, Nakia Davis-Welsh and Corban Baxter just to name a few who made history that day at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
Fast forward to today and Apps, one the many pioneering figures of women’s Rugby League in NSW, is set to run out for a 20th consecutive time in the blue jersey. That thing she always wanted to do, and then some.
The milestone also comes on the same patch of turf as that historic win a decade ago, this time under the Origin banner, with the current Westpac NSW Blues Women looking to capture more history as the first team to secure a 3-0 series sweep.
As for the enduring aspect of what makes Apps such a key member of this NSW team, to play 20 matches in row is a remarkable achievement, but her character is just as important.
“It’s unbelievable what she’s done for this state, and the game of Rugby League,” Westpac NSW Blues coach John Strange said.
“I’ve watched her from a distance for a long, long time and seen what she’s achieved.
“But for me, getting to know her as a person over the last two years, coaching her for the first time last year, she’s an unbelievable human being.
“She’s a team-first person, which is really important to me and the environment that we’ve got here.
“It’s a great achievement for her to run out for her state for the 20th time.”
To illustrate that point of her impact on women’s Rugby League, you only need to revisit that interview from 10 years ago when Apps was asked what the increased media coverage of that match - played on a Saturday as the curtain-raiser for the Titans-Eels home and away clash - would have on the game.
“It’s massive, it’s been really good we’ve a lot of media coverage on this game,” Apps said.
“It’s just going to grow the game and get more girls interested in playing the game.”
That it did, because when Kezie Apps runs out for game No.20 tomorrow night, some of those girls who grew up inspired by her journey will now be running alongside her.
