LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Three young guns from the Parramatta Eels, Sean Russell, Abbi Church, and Rory Owen, have been handpicked to don the green and gold in the highly anticipated Prime Minister's XIII clashes in Papua New Guinea.
Russell, a 20-year-old dynamo who burst onto the scene after transitioning from university rugby, made a name for herself in the NRLW arena with a blistering debut season.
She set tongues wagging after crossing the try line five times and was duly crowned NRLW Rookie of the Year by both the Eels and the RLPA.
Meanwhile, the versatile outside back Russell, who cut his teeth in the Eels development pathways, has become a mainstay in the Blue & Gold lineup since his NRL debut in 2021.
With 41 appearances under his belt and 19 tries to his name, he is a consistent performer who never fails to deliver when it counts.
The stage is set for the PM's XIII team, under the savvy guidance of coach Brad Fittler and the legendary touch of Kangaroos mentor Mal Meninga, to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Church, who is enjoying a breakout season in 2024, has raised the bar with her stellar performances and was duly rewarded with two prestigious accolades at the NRLW Awards Night.
The Eels trio will undoubtedly bring their A-game to represent their country and make their mark on the world stage, embodying the never-say-die spirit of Rugby League and the proud tradition of Australian sporting excellence.