England Women will open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Wales on October 17 with Izzy Rowe and Georgia Roche starting at half-back, while reigning Woman of Steel Jenna Foubister begins on the bench.
Three outstanding options for the two halves spots show how far the women’s game in England has come. Two Wigan stars, Foubister and her best friend and Warriors half-back partner Rowe, offer one combination. Then there is NRLW star and former Woman of Steel Georgia Roche, who has been performing impressively on the other side of the world.
England head coach Stuart Barrow welcomes the selection headache as he prepares his side for three pool matches, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. After Wales, England face Australia and Samoa in what promises to be a tough pool-stage run.
Barrow believes the partnership between Foubister and Rowe could prove integral at some point in the tournament. However, he could not leave out one of the best players in the world, so Roche starts alongside Rowe.
Barrow reflects on a difficult selection
“It is a massive moment for my career. It is the greatest honour to coach your country and to do it in a World Cup, I am really excited,” Barrow said.
Barrow described the squad selection as one of the toughest tasks he has faced. The coaching staff named a squad of 40 on September 2 and then had to pick 23 from that group. “There was not a lot in it,” he said, describing sleepless nights and difficult phone calls.
He explained that the decision came down to balance, the way England want to play, and the opposition they will face. Barrow also highlighted the growth of the women’s game. “If you go back four years ago, the squad almost picked itself,” he said. “The growth of the women’s game now shows that we have such an amazing talent pool coming through and a wider and deeper talent pool.”
Barrow said the coaching staff has several ideas and scenarios ready to deal with the depth in the squad.
Rowe chases a childhood dream
Rowe knows she will be in a battle for her shirt throughout the tournament, all while living out a childhood dream alongside Foubister. Regardless of who partners her in the halves, she will be part of a monumental milestone in her career.
“It is a massive dream come true. It is something I have wanted for a long time,” Rowe said. “Going with eight of my team-mates is going to make the tournament a lot easier for me.”
Rowe praised the close bond within the squad, including players who do not play at Wigan. “We have spoken about it together and being able to perform for your country together is a massive dream,” she said.
She also paid tribute to Roche, who has played in the NRLW, Australia’s elite women’s rugby league competition. “You cannot argue that she is one of the best half-backs that England has got,” Rowe said. “I have watched Georgia since being a young kid and Jenna is my best mate so whoever plays, I am going to be so proud.”