Ex-Moss Vale resident Chelsea Lenarduzzi signed with the Brisbane Broncos in July, and has had a strong start to the season with the team.

The Broncos kicked off round one with a 30-4 win over the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The Broncos has asserted its dominance as a team with a top-of-the-table ranking, ahead of the New Zealand Warriors, the Sydney Roosters and the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Lenarduzzi will be playing in the forwards and she will most likely be prop for the whole season.

Lenarduzzi said the opportunity to play in the inaugural women’s premiership was not lost on her.

“Numerous women who have played in the past have had to sacrifice so much so I am very lucky to have this opportunity,” she said.

“Hopefully this will be the start of a big expansion of the women’s game where we can progress into being full time athletes.

“It is also a major achievement being part of a generation that the next generation can look up to.”

Outside of the Brisbane Broncos, Lenarduzzi also plays for the Burleigh Bears in the South East Queensland competition.

The Bears has enjoyed great success, and has won the competition for the fourth year straight.

The Bears has been a springboard for Lenarduzzi and several of her teammates into the women’s premiership competition.

Four of the Bears, including Lenarduzzi, are currently playing for the Brisbane Broncos.

In addition to this, two Bears are playing for the Sydney Roosters in the women’s premiership.

Lenarduzzi said the upcoming season offered an opportunity for growth, and she aspired to be the best footballer she could be.

“[I want to] hopefully stay injury free, stay fit, and continue to grow as a player and a person,” she said.

“I love that rugby league, especially in the women’s game is inclusive of all different people.

“I played with women of all different ages, backgrounds, sexualities, and personalities and it is awesome to be in an environment where so many different people can come together for one purpose.”

Lenarduzzi said she had high hopes for the upcoming season.

“The club is very supportive and have done everything possible to bring us close together and give us the best chance of succeeding,” she said.

“I believe in my team and think we have the potential to take out the competition, but all teams are extremely dangerous.”

The Brisbane Broncos will take on the Sydney Roosters in round two of the women’s premiership at Allianz Stadium from 5.15pm on Friday, September 14.