Nine years after her Jillaroos debut, Mahalia Murphy will play her second rugby league Test for Australia when she comes off the bench against Papua New Guinea in Brisbane on Friday night.
A centre in her early days, Murphy scored a hat-trick for Australia at Lang Park in 2015 against the Kiwi Ferns.
Murphy then made a switch to rugby union and was a regular for the Wallaroos and Australia’s rugby sevens side before returning to the 13-a-side code with Parramatta in the NRLW last year.
Rugby league records dating back to the early 2000s show Murphy is the only player in that time to have scored a hat-trick in her sole match for Australia.
“It’s still pretty crazy to look back on,” Murphy said.
“That’s the highlight of my whole career still. Debuting for the Jillaroos, getting a hat-trick, being player of the match and defeating New Zealand.
“I don’t think I could have asked for a better debut in my life. That is definitely one of the highlights of my career.”
Murphy had given up hope of adding to her one rugby league Test appearance.
“I didn’t expect to get a call-up,” Murphy said.
“There have been girls who have been here for years playing that have put their foot forward to try and get in this jersey.
“Obviously I had it in my mind to try and play the best football, be the best athlete I can be and see what happens.
“Being able to play for the Aussie sevens and 15s, and Waratahs over the last eight years, I’ve really learned how to be professional.
“I’ve learned how to prep for games and how to be disciplined for things you probably don’t need to at club level, if you aren’t aspiring to be an elite athlete.”
Murphy’s selection came ahead of the likes of Sydney Roosters’ Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick, with coach Brad Donald opting for the Eel’s versatility.
“It’s great, I’m 30 years old, so if he sees that in me, I must be doing something right,” Murphy said.
“That just comes with all the experience in sevens. You become a very versatile player and become a utility.
“Being able to use all those skills and movements in attack and bring it to this game, it’s great.”
AAP
