A host of New England Rugby's women's players will join neighbouring Zone Central North for a Country Championship tilt.
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St Albert's College's Georgia O'Neile, Katelyn Hall, Charlotte Goldman, Megan Groenewald, Tahlia Morgan and Bridgette Madigan, along with the Baa Baas' Alana Dunne and Armidale Blues' Josie Coddington have all been named in the Central North squad for the championships to be held in Tamworth on the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
New England's small numbers, coupled with the fact they play a 7s format, for the women selected in the Central North side, it is the chance to play the bigger, 15-a-side contest.
After being named in the squad, Armidale Blues' Josie Coddington spoke to The Express about returning to the format she enjoys the most.
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A new addition to the Blues this year from North Queensland, the flanker has played plenty of rugby union.
After starting her career at the University of Queensland in Gatton, she moved further north and continued playing.
Coddington captain-coached a team in North Queensland and represented Townsville in rugby competitions in Brisbane.
She also took the field in a Queensland Reds trial match.
Since moving to Armidale, she's played 7s with the Blues and said she has enjoyed her time with the club.
But she "definitely" prefers the 15-a-side game.
Flanker is Coddington's position of choice with her "strength" being "around the ruck."
"I do feel that 15-a-side does allow more women of all shapes, sizes and speed to play compared to 7s," she said.
"It gives more opportunity for everyone to play whereas 7s is quite specific to your faster players."
Of playing at the Country Championships, Coddington is looking forward to seeing how she lines up againts NSW's best.
"It will probably be pretty good to see what the level is like compared to Queensland," she said.
"It is good to see women's rugby going strong down here.
"Hopefully one day they would be able to see a 15-a-side in from the New England.
Coddington admitted she's not familiar with most of the women in the Central North squad but can't wait to link up with them.
"I with a Brisbane Reds trial squad and playing alongside those more experienced players makes you lift your game and build skills of your own which is great," she said.
Central North women's squad:
Brianna Mack (Barraba), Claudia Neilson (Tamworth Pirates), Rebecca Smyth (Gunnedah), Rosie Ferguson (Tamworth Pirates), Georgia O'Neille (St Alberts College), Katelyn Hall (St Alberts College), Charlotte Goldman (St Alberts College), Kirsty McArthur (Gunnedah), KaraLaini Nadruku (Gunnedah), Simone Lickorish (Gunnedah), Clare Harpley (St Alberts College), Shae Partridge (Tamworth Pirates), Megan Groenewald (St Alberts College), Tahlia Morgan (St Alberts College), Torika Nadruku (Gunnedah), Alanna Dunne (Armidale Barbarians), Amie Middlemiss (Barraba), Jillian Mooney (Tamworth Pirates), Alexandra Long (Gunnedah), Bridgette Madigan (St Alberts College), Josie Coddington (Armidale Blues), Kate O'Donnell (Gunnedah), Nicola Robinson (Tamworth Pirates), Lara De Jong (Tamworth Pirates), Stephie Lennon (Gunnedah). Coach: Jeremy Maslen, assistant coaches: Lincoln Stewart/Matt Hannay, manager: Lou Wilson.
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