Abbi Church knows “confronting” all too well.
The 24-year-old’s work as a paramedic calls for 12-hour shifts, and can include helping to deliver a baby to taking someone from their home for the last time.
It’s a reason coach Dean Widders trusts the Parramatta centre to fill the void left by one of the NRLW’s biggest stars, as Tiana Penitani races the clock to be fit for the grand final.
The prospect of playing a decider against a heavily favoured Newcastle Knights outfit boasting “the best two players in the world” at Accor Stadium on Sunday hardly seems as daunting as what Church faces in her everyday life.
Church has been named at centre, with Penitani on an extended bench while she recovers from a quadriceps injury that threatens to keep her sidelined during a landmark day for the Eels as they chase an NRLW/NRL premiership double.
Penitani missed the shock semi-final win over the Sydney Roosters, with Church’s call-up for a battle with Jessica Sergis just her second game of the season. Widders said she was never going to let anyone down.
Eels player Abbi Church has gone part-time in her job as a paramedic to play NRLW.Credit:Wolter Peeters
“She’s excited, Abbs. She’s one of the hardest working players in our team, probably the fittest on our team, and she has worked hard to get back into the side,” Widders said.
“She was ready to make a difference when she came back into the side, that’s what she has been working hard on. I knew she would come back and do well. Last week against Jessica Sergis, she did an amazing job. Abbs will more than handle what’s thrown at her in the game.
“Rikeya [Horne] and Tiana in the centres and Gayle [Broughton] at fullback, they were three of our better players. They probably all got player of the match in the three weeks Abbi was out.
“It was hard for Abbs to get that opportunity, but I knew as soon as the chance came up, she was ready. She’s been really pushing herself hard. It’s a credit to her.”
Abbi Church scoring a try against the Roosters.Credit:NRL Photos
Parramatta are outsiders, having snuck into the top four by the barest of margins. Widders said the Eels needed to be at their absolute best to contain Knights prop Millie Boyle and fullback Tamika Upton.
“They’re the best two players in the world. We know what we’re up against. Newcastle are going to be massive favourites, they’ve got the best players in the world in their team and we’re going to be up against it,” Widders said.
“We’ve just got be as good as we can and limit their opportunities to do the stuff they’re really good at. We’ll have to be good on kick-chase, we’ll have to make sure we give Tamika the ball in the toughest circumstances.
“We’ll have to contain Millie as much as we can, that’s why we need to be making sure we get numbers up on her and don’t give her any room and space. It’s a tough gig, but that’s the only way. That’s the reality for us, we’ve got to face up to and try to limit it.”
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