TWENTY ONE: North Newcastle centre Isabelle Kelly. Picture: Sylvia Liber
World Cup hopeful Isabelle Kelly will look to cap off her 21st birthday celebrations with a state rugby league premiership.
The North Newcastle Maidens centre marked the milestone age on Wednesday before turning her attention to Sunday’s NSW Women’s Premiership decider.
The Maidens, who only formed this season, will take on minor premiers the Redfern All Blacks at Leichhardt Oval with Kelly in form having scored seven tries in three back-to-back finals outings.
North Newcastle captain Bec Young said it would be a deserved reward for the Central Coast-based star, who joined the club from now defunct Berkeley Vale midway through this season to keep her representative aspirations alive.
“It was a tough call for her to make but she hasn’t looked back since,” Young said.
SPACE: Isabelle Kelly on debut for the Jillaroos earlier this year. Picture: Jamila Toderas
Kelly made her Jillaroos debut earlier this year, helped NSW retain the interstate challenge and played an exhibition nines game for the Newcastle Knights.
She is the daughter of former Manly player Ken.
Her brother spent 2017 with Queensland Cup side the Burleigh Bears.
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4937103/birthday-trophy-wishes-for-kelly/