Barnsdale determined for strong HNU17 season

Chloe Barnsdale has a strong head on her shoulders.

Aged just 16, the Harvey Norman Under 17s Redcliffe Dolphins captain is ready and raring to go for this weekend’s season kick off, not just physically but mentally as well.

Chloe, who started playing rugby league just three years ago, was inspired to take up the game by her parents, Corey and Nicola, who have both played league and rugby union.

And, also thanks to her parents, Chloe has developed a tenacity that sees her go from strength-to-strength.

“I just come with the mindset to do it for the people that can’t and make those around you proud of who you are,” Chloe said ahead of Round 1.

“Who you are on and off the field portrays your background and morals.

“When I was growing up, my parents played rugby. Seeing this, it inspired me to play because I wanted to be like them.

“They’ve helped me so much throughout the years and I wouldn’t be in this position without them. They were always there for me, the early mornings and late nights, the long car rides.

“They’ve shown me what discipline and grit looks like and how to push harder, even when it feels impossible.”

Ahead of this year’s Harvey Norman Under 17 season, Chloe did have to rely on that grit and discipline that her parents instilled in her.

After getting her appendix removed, Chloe found herself slightly on the back foot but she pushed through to be ready for pre-season – her second with the Redcliffe Dolphins.

“My journey has been challenging,” she said.

“I had surgery and I missed out on some (rugby union) teams, which was hard.

“But there’s a reason behind every setback. I focused on my recovery and when pre-season rolled around I stayed determined… stayed back after training to do extra reps.

“I was really proud to play (with the Dolphins last year) and put on the jersey every single week. It was definitely something to look forward to and my discipline throughout training has got me to where I am today.”

Those extras were certainly noticed by the coaching staff, who informed Chloe she would captain this year’s side about two weeks ago.

Having come through the ranks at Pine Central Hornets, the forward – who is named in the front row this Saturday against the Sunshine Coast Falcons – said she hopes she can continue to lead the way for her teammates through her actions.

“I found out about two weeks ago,” she said of the captaincy.

“I felt really grateful for the opportunity. It’s about how I act, how I lead from the front, and I need to show the girls our expectations.

“I’m really excited to see how our girls go. I feel like our girls are going to do quite well and we’ve bonded well.

“As a team we’ve spoken about and are actively working towards staying determined, doing the extra reps, leading by example and everyone putting in the effort and bringing the other girls along.”

Chloe, who will turn 17 in August, also has her own personal goals.

For the season ahead, it’s just about being the best player she can be. But for the future, it’s about pushing herself as far as she can go.

“My goals are to be consistent, be a strong ball carrier and commit to the one percenters to be the best player I can be on and off the field,” she said.

“My overall goal is to have a long and successful NRLW career as a player. I want to be in the NRLW pathways and to be able to help emerging female rugby league players to pursue their dreams too.”