Emme Nienhuis took some time to reflect on the experience of playing for Wide Bay in the Schoolgirls Representative competition.
What was the most valuable experience you gained from representing the Wide Bay region (on and off the field)?
The most valuable experience would be having the opportunity to play against the best players my age in Queensland. It really opened my eyes to what is out there.
How did the standard of competition compare to what you’re used to? What did you learn about your game?
The standard of competition is incredible. Coming from a regional area to going to the level that we went to was great. The quality was a massive step up, which has improved my game a lot.
What challenges did you face during the carnival (physical, mental, or emotional)? How did you handle them?
One challenges I faced throughout the carnival was trying to mesh with the girls I was playing alongside. Obviously Wide Bay is a very large area, so we have got girls from Bundaberg down to Gympie, so it is not always the easiest to train and get to know the team.
How has this experience influenced your goals or motivation for rugby league moving forward?
This experience has motivated me as it has shown me the level of footy that I have to play and be used to if I want to play professionally. The carnival really showed me that in a smaller area I may stand out, but in a state-wide competition, it is so hard to stand out or be noticed.
What advice would you give to other girls in our program who aspire to represent at a regional level?
Some advice I would give is to not doubt yourself. It is so incredibly easy to put yourself down and talk down about yourself, but once you’re competing in a carnival as big as state championships, it shows how you just have to have some confidence in yourself.