A YOUNG local emerging star of women’s rugby league is forging a pathway to success with her talent and passion for the game.

Baradine girl, Ashanti Pennell has been chosen to play in the 2023 Tarsha Gale Cup squad with the Wests Tigers under 19’s women’s rugby league.

Ashanti trialled in October for the squad and notified of her selection shortly after. She will commence pre-season training next week in Sydney.

“I am very excited and extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity,” Ashanti said. “I want to inspire other young girls from rural areas to work hard and follow their dreams. It doesn't matter where you come from, you can achieve.” 

18-year-old Ashanti has just completed Year 12 and already has a heap of representative honours to her name. 

She started playing rugby aged thirteen and started working her way up the women’s rugby league ladder playing both codes.

In 2021, as a member of the Far West Academy of Sport Development Squad, she played with the under 17’s girls Rugby League team. 

This was followed by selection for the NSW Country Rugby under 18’s team and the NSW All School Girls Rugby 7’s squad. 

ABOVE: Ashanti in action. (image P.Sherwood).

During the past twelve months Ashanti has played with the under 18’s, as well as with the Opens Castlereagh Women's Rugby League teams, league tag for the Baradine Magpies, Rugby for Dubbo Roos Ladies, the NSW Country Rugby under 18s team and the Waratahs under 18’s training squad.

Over the years, Ashanti has impressed the coaches with her work ethic, team-first mentality and positive disposition. Her versatility is second to none, being able to cover multiple positions across the field.

It’s an exciting time for Wests Tigers as momentum builds around the women’s game.  

The club has announced that, for the first time, an all-female coaching staff will take charge of the under 19’s team and Tarsha Gale Cup competitions have already been announced, as preparations begin for the 2023 season.

“My aim and dream is to one day play in the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition and to also play at the highest level in Women's Rugby League,” concluded Ashanti.