Valley stars face off in NRLW
Skipper: Kezie Apps is ready to lead the St George Illawarra Dragons against the Broncos this Sunday. Picture: Joel Carretts
The Brisbane Broncos confirmed that Millie Boyle will form part of the starting line up against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Boyle's selection in the number 8 jumper for the Broncos ensures a titanic clash between two Bega Valley Stars with Kezie Apps to captain the Dragons as competition favourites in this year's NRL Women's draw.
After starring as vice-captain for Australia in rugby union Test duties, Boyle said she had little trouble getting back into league mode ahead of this Sunday's opening round.
"It has been a pretty good transition between sports," Boyle said. "Luckily, being a forward I can just focus on a few little things around the middle of the field and let the edges do their jobs."
Pre-season fixtures have helped settle the defending premier Broncos for the clash with the Dragons.
Broncos addition: Millie Boyle and proud mum Shelley after the 14-4 State of Origin win, with Millie to line up as a starting prop for the Broncos in the NRLW.
"Preparations has been going reall well and we're looking forward to round one this weekend against the Dragons," Boyle said.
"We had a trial game in Papua New Guinea the other weekend against their national team, so it was awesome to get a good hitout against some quality opposition."
After starring together in NSW's Origin win earlier in the year, Boyle said it would be a strange thing to hit up against another Valley star.
"I'm not sure how I feel about playing against Kezie," she beams. "I'm lucky enough to have been to play alongside her so this weekend will be a good test."
"She'll always be a good friend off the field ... but I can't say the same while on the field though," she adds with a laugh.
A three week season will provide both clubs with very few chances to get it right and the cross-code Boyle said she would focus solely on doing her job for the Broncos.
"Being a short season, I'm just looking forward to learning and lot and want to improve from game-to-game," Boyle said.
"[I'm keen to] play big minutes and do my job well in the middle."
Meanwhile, Kezie will headline the Dragons, who announced 12 debutants in their 21-strong roster for Sunday's clash.
Apps took some time out of her busy preparations to crash a Sam Bremner gala day earlier in the week and having a chat to some of the girls involved in the competition.
Meanwhile, coach Daniel Lacey said the Dragons squad had put in a big preparation and were ready for the season.
"We're looking to beat that unbeaten run [by the Broncos] to kick our season off," Lacey said.
The round one fixture will be held at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday from 2pm with free to air coverage available on GEM.