The first-ever Mittagong Lion's ladies tackle team has been announced, and so has the pioneer coach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The man at the helm will be instilling confidence while bringing these ladies up and sharing his knowledge about the game they all love.
With over two decades of coaching experience, Rob Kahui will now embark on a new adventure.
"It's going to be an interesting journey being the first woman's tackle team," Kahui said.
"It's an exciting new adventure and we'll see where next season takes us."
The identity of the team will take some time to figure out. It will be a process, but Kahui is looking forward to it and moulding these girls into great, confident players.
"I'm unsure of what style of play or team we're going to be," Kahui said.
"I don't know what we have at the moment, it's a whole new kettle of fish. We're going to have some inexperienced players joining on, but I will be looking to grow the game and instilling belief into the girls.
"The hardest thing is getting the players into the car and coming to training. Once you get them there, that's when we can get to work."
There are still opportunities for any girls looking to play and be a part of this debut team. A meeting will be held and the club urges players to get down and be involved.
"We have our meet and greet on December 15," Kahui said.
"There is interest out there at this stage, but it's all about promoting the club and the girls.
"It great that the team also has a coach. That's going to open up a few doors. If any of the girls are sitting on the fence about joining, just come give it a crack.
"Get outside of your comfort zone and come give it a go. You won't regret it."
The ladies' tackle team will be in great hands with Kahui and his long resume of experience. This is an excellent opportunity to learn off of a knowledgeable coach.
"I've coached around 25 years worth of rugby," Kahui said.
"I was the under 17's Illawarriors Girls Rep Union side for the last three years. I've had a lot of experience in league and union players crossing codes also.
"That's not normal. Gone are the days where you played just the one code. Every code has their benefits, If you can find ways to blend them together and if you can achieve that, you're sitting on a goldmine."
There is no pressure on these girls to be a major contender straight away. It's all about building up confidence and getting them out to play.
"I'm not sure I want to show the competition anything to be honest," Kahui said.
"I just want to let them know that our team is here and with every challenge there's a bonus.
"Over the next two to three years we should be building. We have a strategies as a club in place and they are concrete.
"I just want to instill confidence in these young girls."
