Mel Howard, a half-back with the Leeds Rhinos, says she has been pleased by the level of the Betfred Women’s Super League after playing at the highest level of the sport in Australia.
Howard joins the Rhinos, who play St Helens at AMT Headingley tomorrow (Friday), from Newcastle Knights earlier this year in the Women’s Premiership in the southern hemisphere. She formerly played for the Sydney Roosters and St George-Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW), and she represented New South Wales in the 2020 State of Origin match.
Although England’s 90-4 loss to the Australians in Las Vegas five months ago was a setback for the women’s game, Howard maintained that the code is strong and improving. “I have been really impressed with the standards over here, but the standards in Australia are first-class and the best in the world,” she remarked.
“I believe it is becoming into a more professional one. I am having a great time, and it is moving in the correct way. I can’t criticise the club, but it is a little different from home. They have been amazing, the coaching staff and squad have welcomed me, and it’s nice to feel like I’ve created a small home away from home. It has also been pleasant that we are finally putting together a few victories.
Despite having only one point from a draw against Saints in their first three league games of the season, the Rhinos enter tomorrow’s men’s game on the strength of three significant victories that have moved them up from second-bottom to fourth place in the standings. Howard stated: “Hopefully, going into this game, we are a bit fresher and have a few more of the girls available.” At the beginning of the campaign, injuries had an impact.
“I’m really anticipating it. I adore playing on Friday nights; I’ve had a great time at every Headingley game, and it’s really awesome to play in front of the guys, especially in the closing minutes. Having a somewhat larger audience than usual is fantastic. It’s nice to have the fans supporting us.
Following injuries, Tally Bryer, Lucy Murray, Kaiya Glynn, Frankie Blakey, and Grace Field are all back in the running for the Rhinos. Following a knock during training, Keara Bennett is unable to participate.
From Stead, Cousins, Nuttall, Howard, Walker, Sykes, Northrop, Brown, Murray, Dainton, Bruce, Donnelly, Glynn, Greening, Whitehead, Field, Short, Boyd, Blakey, Bryer, Sharp and the Leeds Rhinos ladies (against. St Helens).
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