FORSTER'S Kylie Hilder has had a change of heart about retiring from representative rugby league.
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Hilder, 43, has been named in the NSW Country team to play in the Women's National Championships at the Gold Coast from May 30 to June 2.
She announced her retirement from the representative scene at the conclusion of the inaugural National Rugby League Women's Premiership last year where she played for grand finalists, the Sydney Roosters. However, Hilder is still playing with CRL Newcastle in the NSW Premiership.
I was named in the Team of the Week last week and I think I'm still playing reasonable footy
- Kylie Hilder
"I was named in the Team of the Week last week and I think I'm still playing reasonable footy,'' Hilder, a dummy half, explained.
"I was asked if I was interested in playing rep and I thought, 'why not?' ''
Hilder injured her knee in the championships last year and this robbed her of the opportunity to play for NSW in the inaugural women's State of Origin clash, won 16-10 by the Blues. Instead she was part of Fox Sport's telecast of the match, adding expert commentary along with former test star Corey Parker, for the encounter called by Andrew Voss.
"I wouldn't say no if I'm asked,'' Hilder replied when questioned on whether she would be available for this season's State of Origin clash.
Fellow CRL Newcastle player, Holli Wheeler, formerly of Old Bar, is also in the Country team. Wheeler, a second rower, represented Country, NSW and Australia in a breakout 2018. She now lives in Newcastle.
Two members of the North Coast Bulldogs side that played in this year's Country Championships have also been selected in the Country team to be coached by Matt Parish. They are Ellie Johnston and Shellie Long. Port Macquarie's Simone Smith, who also turns out for CRL Newcastle, has also been named in the squad. Smith is on the comeback trail this year after knee reconstruction surgery.
Meanwhile, Hilder has been named assistant coach for the NSW under 18 women's side. The team will play Queensland as a curtain raiser to the State of Origin clash at North Sydney Oval on Friday June 21.
Related:
Hilder will also have an assistant coaching role with the Roosters in this season's second NRL women's competition, confirming she won't be playing.
