England Women's World Cup half-back dilemma
If there is one position that highlights the growth of the women's game in England, it is the competition for the half-back spot at the Rugby League World Cup.
Key points
- England Women's head coach Stuart Barrow has chosen Izzy Rowe and Georgia Roche to start at half-back against Wales on October 17, leaving reigning Woman of Steel Jenna Foubister on the bench.
- Barrow called picking the 23-player squad from an initial 40 'one of the toughest things I have ever experienced' and said the depth shows the growth of the women's game.
- Rowe, who will play alongside her best friend and Wigan half-back partner Foubister, said representing England with her club team-mates is 'a massive dream come true'.
England Women's head coach Stuart Barrow has named Izzy Rowe and Georgia Roche as his starting half-backs for the team's opening Rugby League World Cup pool match against Wales on October 17. Reigning Woman of Steel Jenna Foubister will begin on the bench.
Barrow said the decision was about balance and the style of play he wants, adding that the partnership between Wigan team-mates Foubister and Rowe could still be important later in the tournament. England will also face Australia and Samoa in the pool stage, with a semi-final place at stake.
Barrow on squad selection
Barrow described picking the final 23-player squad from an initial group of 40 as 'one of the toughest things I have ever experienced', saying the choice was very close and involved sleepless nights and difficult phone calls.
He said the expanded talent pool shows how much the women's game has grown, noting that four years ago the squad almost picked itself. He added that England have ideas for different scenarios during the tournament.
It is a massive moment for my career. It is the greatest honour to coach your country and to do it in a World Cup, I am really excited
— Stuart Barrow
Rowe's World Cup dream
Rowe said playing at the World Cup is a childhood dream and that going with eight Wigan team-mates will make the tournament easier. She said the whole squad is close, including players from other clubs.
She called Roche one of England's best half-backs and said she has watched her since she was young, while Foubister is her best friend. Rowe said she will be proud of whoever plays in the halves.
