IF Muswellbrook’s Brydie Parker can replicate this year’s success in 2018, we’ll be hearing a lot more of this talented sportswoman – on the big stage.
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The teenager collected a gold medal, won an international tournament in Dubai, lifted the CRL 9s trophy with the Ramettes and gained selection in the inaugural Hunter Valley Group 21 women’s rugby league team.
She also picked up the Extraordinary Achiever’s Award at Muswellbrook High School, for good measure.
“It’s been the biggest year by far,” Parker admitted.
“There were some awesome achievements [along the way] – I started with a win with the Australian rugby sevens side at the Youth Commonwealth Games in July and finished with the Group 21 [CRL 9s] title earlier in the month.
“I also took part in the Aon Uni 7s Series, for Armidale, which was played in four states over five weeks.
“That was a good learning curve, with lots of travelling.
“But, it gave me the chance to play with, or against, some of my idols like national reps Charlotte Caslick and Alicia Quirk.
“Then I joined the Randwick Magic for the Central Coast 7s, which featured teams from throughout the world.
“It, as well as the senior nationals in Bendigo, was a great experience, and preparation, for the Dubai Invitational.”
I’ll never forget that moment, running out of the tunnel onto the ground
- Brydie Parker
The Magic, made up of club rugby sevens players from far and wide, defeated Kazakhstan 24-19 in the quarters, England’s development side The Royals 26-14 in the semi and Ireland 15-10 in the decider.
“It was awesome,” Parker said.
“At the end of the first day, we were placed seventh.
“However, from that point, we just gelled – the girls really wanted it.
“And, playing in front of 40,000 people, what a terrific feeling?
“I’ll never forget that moment, running out of the tunnel onto the ground.”
In between all of those obligations, Parker eventually completed her HSC.
“I was happy with how I went,” she explained.
“I missed nearly a term due to my sporting commitments.”
Next up, the 18-year-old will join Muswellbrook team mates Kelsey French, Harmony Liddell, Shae Pemberton, Clare Akauma and Cressa Harris in the Group 21 women’s rugby league team, which will play at Olympic Park on February 10, 2018.
“Winning the CRL 9s with friends in my hometown was pretty cool,” Parker said.
“Importantly, it was fun, too.
“It capped off a great year for me.
“And, being named in the first Group 21 squad represents a huge opportunity.”
If everything goes according to plan, she’ll fulfil her ultimate goal – representing Australia at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.