Parramatta Eels NRLW marquee signing Tiana Penitani has one aim in her first year at the Club.
To strip the Brisbane Broncos of their Premiership and bring it out west.
“We don’t muck around playing this sport,” Penitani said.
“I definitely want to get to the grand final and strip the Broncos of that title and get a premiership win for Parramatta in their debut season.
“That’s definitely the plan, but I’m just really excited to start out at a new Club and develop some good friendships within this team,” she said.
The 25-year-old has made quite a name for herself in the NRLW in a short space of time since switching codes from Rugby Union in 2019.
The centre has represented both NSW and Australia, but still has plenty on her bucket list.
“I think it’s (the Eels) really just a great opportunity, not only in terms of growing the game but I know there is a big interest out west in young women playing Rugby League and there wasn’t representation yet,” Penitani said.
“I’m really excited that this year there is more teams, which means the talent is spread a little more evenly and there’s a little more opportunity for us to find our momentum as a team and build into making the finals.
“So I was really excited to jump on board with that opportunity and start fresh somewhere,” she said.
While excited about the next chapter for herself and the game as a whole, Penitani is the first to admit being part of the women’s game has its challenges.
“It is tough being a part time athlete, but hopefully we can contribute to future generations and one day we will see the women’s game go full time,” Penitani said.
“It is hard to balance sometimes.
“I work for myself and I’m studying part time and then I’m training full time as well, so I’ve got a pretty hectic schedule and I know my schedule isn’t anywhere near as hectic as some of the girls,” she said.
The Eels were due to start pre-season training today, but COVID-19 has delayed those plans.
Whenever the competition is given the green light, Penitani is ready to lace up her boots.
“There’s a bunch of new players put together in this team so I’m really excited to play alongside them for the first time.
“Hopefully we can create some magic and come away with the Premiership at the end of the season,” she said.
