McGregor Sees Light In 2019 Campaign

The Sydney Roosters fought hard in their Round 1 loss to the New Zealand Warriors, but fullback Corban McGregor insists that there's no need to panic.

In what was McGregor’s first official NRLW game against the Warriors, the Roosters fell four points short of victory in what was a tight battle at AAMI Park.

Despite the result though, Corban insists that a lack of effort wasn’t the issue in the squad.

“Because it’s such a build up to that first game, it’s pretty disappointing to not get the result,” Corban said when reflecting on Round 1.

“What makes it harder is that we actually put in plenty of effort and worked hard for each other.

“After that initial disappointment we were able to re-group and think back to last year.

“We’ve been in this position before, we’re definitely not out yet and we’ve got plenty of improvement in us.

“No time to be sad about it, we’ve just got to move on and get ready for the next one.”

Corban was forced to sit out the entire inaugural season in 2018 after sustaining a season ending injury during the 2018 Women’s State Of Origin match.

It’s been a long wait for Corban, but finally being able to make that long-awaited debut felt like a fine reward for patience and persistence.

“Putting the result aside, it was a really good feeling for myself.

“It’s been a really long build up and it’s taken a long time for me to get out there to play my first game.

“I loved every minute of it, even if it was a disappointing result.

“We have a great team and I enjoyed being out there with them.”

Looking forward, Corban feels confident in the 2019 squad and the systems that have set them up to this point.

The process of trial and error is a lot shorter during the Women’s NRL season, but it’s never too late to make improvements.

“I can’t fault our pre-season prep, it was really good.

“We felt good in Captain’s Run on the Friday and on Saturday we failed to execute.

“Their kicking game was great and the game control was really good.

“If we can adjust a few little things we’ll be okay.

“Nothing too major needs to change, we just need to adjust a few little things and we’ll be okay.”

While 17 players take to the field in a game of rugby league, Corban feels there is a responsibility on players as individuals to make improvements on their own performances as well as the team’s play.

Insistent that she needs to improve on her own game this week, Corban believes that with some minor adjustments that this team will be a force in 2019.

“While there was some solid stuff in Round 1, I think we just need to be a bit more creative.

“If we can clean up some combinations and work on our execution, I think we’ll be okay.

“Personally, I need to be better too and I’m excited for that challenge this week.”

The Roosters will get the chance to put those adjustments into action when they take on the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on Saturday afternoon.