John Strange says he is looking forward to seeing his side create history at Allianz Stadium, but insists his side needs to be focused on the task ahead in their Round 3 clash.
In a Grand Final rematch against St George Illawarra, the Sydney Roosters will compete in the very first sporting event at the Club's new home ground.
While the excitement and historic circumstances have created plenty of headlines throughout the week, the NRLW Head Coach says his side needs to be prepared for a tough contest against their rivals.
Strange: "We've Got a Really Strong Squad"
“It’s a real testament to our Club for pushing it,” Strange said.
“Joe Kelly, our CEO and Nick (Chairman Nick Politis AM) explained the positives of having the girls open the stadium and what that would mean for the women’s game.
“Come tomorrow evening I think there’s going to be quite a few fans there - hopefully Roosters fans – getting in early It’s sort of culminated all together; a Grand Final rematch, both teams undefeated and then opening the stadium.
“All that together it’s pretty exciting but as I said for me it’s important that the girls focus on their jobs because at the end of the 70 minutes as exciting as it is, they’re not going to be too happy if their minds are on other things.
For me as a coach in the women’s game, I said it last year at the start to our squad that I wanted us to play a brand of footy that Rugby League fans – whether they support the men or the ladies – just wanted to come and watch.
John Strange On growing the women's game
“Everything is coming together for it to be an awesome spectacle.”
With his side winning their first two matches against Parramatta and Brisbane respectively, Strange's Roosters are on track to become the first team in NRLW history to record three straight victories to start a season.
Strange said that while his new-look spine had been a highlight, the side's goal was to continue to build as a unit across the park.
“We spoke last week about setting up our season with such a short comp, and I felt like the girls did that with the victory over the Broncos, but we want to build on that,” he said.
“If we can go three from three, and guarantee a spot in the semi-finals, it really takes the pressure off us.
Bremner: "I'm Enjoying Playing With the Entire Team"
“It’s about everyone getting the opportunity and getting to spots on the field where we can showcase certain players at different times. It’s about involving everyone.
“I really feel as though we’re a team that if you come and watch them week by week, you’re not going to say it’s just the half or just the hooker or the back rower that’s doing it.
“I feel like we’ve done really well to create that over the last two weeks of not just doing one set play or going to one edge or a certain play is dominating.”
As the NRLW continues its meteoric growth heading into 2023 with four more teams to be added, Strange says that while there is still plenty of room for growth, his priority is to create a strong product that will attract fans from all corners.
“It’s about creating that atmosphere,” he said.
“While it’s great for the girls to be playing here, it’s about playing in an environment where they feel like there’s a lot of fans there.
“That’s the thing I feel about women’s sport – it’s growing so quickly every year and it’s going to take a little bit of time for them to have stand-alone games at stadiums like this and get an atmosphere.
“For me as a coach in the women’s game, I said it last year at the start to our squad that I wanted us to play a brand of footy that Rugby League fans – whether they support the men or the ladies – just wanted to come and watch.
“This year we’ve worked really hard on our pre-season. I feel like these girls are playing an exciting brand that as a Rugby League tragedy I’d want to come and watch.
“If we do that, and all the other NRLW sides do it, then that’s going to create a natural interest from the spectators. They’re going to want to come out and get bums on seats.”
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