Gemma Walsh will be leading the England Ladies RL team out to battle in their tournament later this month.

The women's World Cup runs at the same time as the men's competition in Australia.

And Walsh – daughter of former Wigan player Dave – is hoping she has an extra item to check-in on her return flight... the Ladies RL World Cup trophy.

She said: "We're pretty confident of doing well, but New Zealand are the team to beat – I think they've only lost one game in the last 10 years, so it's definitely going to be tough."

No-one can question Walsh's commitment to the 13-a-side code.
She moved from Standish to live in Yorkshire so she could continue playing for her club side Wakefield in the women's premier competition, after first starting playing with Golborne and then Hindley. "But I'm still a Wiganer," she laughed.

The 25-year-old postwoman has been part of the international set-up since she was 17, playing mainly at loose forward or stand-off.

But she could have a chance to play on her biggest stage yet if England reach their final, with that game taking place as the curtain-raiser to the men's semi-final at Brisbane's famous Lang Park Stadium.

The eight-team ladies Cup takes place over three weeks and Walsh said: "It's quite a tiring schedule, because we play a game every other day, but I'm really looking forward to it."

Local businessman Dave Cleary, of DDC Building and Joinery, helped make Walsh's trip possible with a generous £500 donation.
She added: "I can't thank him enough, I really appreciate it."