Women’s Super League Grand Final: Raw recruit Abby Eatock adds to Leeds Rhinos’ firepower
The 18-year-old could make only her fourth appearance for Rhinos in Friday’s Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final against Castleford Tigers at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens.
Eatock has already scored six tries for Rhinos, including a brace in last Sunday’s semi-final victory at Saints. Rhinos trailed 14-4 at the break, but hit back to level the scores before Eatock surged over the line in stoppage time to seal a dramatic win.
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Hide AdThat sparked wild celebrations among her team-mates, but Eatock, who joined the club last month, admitted the importance of the try didn’t sink in for her until later.
“I have only been playing [for Rhinos] for a few games,” she said. “It mattered a lot more to the girls than what I originally thought.
“I thought it was just a try, but then it clicked what it meant when the final whistle went. It is amazing to be in a Grand Final.”
Beating Saints was a bonus for Eatock, who is from Wigan and has been playing rugby since she was five.
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Hide AdThe pacy outside-back has already finished The Army’s season as their top try scorer and Woman of Steel.
She ran in a hat-trick when The Army beat Super League side York City Knights, at Castleford, in the Challenge Shield final in July and that performance, streamed live on the Rugby Football League website, did not go unnoticed.
“The Rhinos saw me playing and the next thing I knew I got a phone call asking me to come and play for them,” said Eatock, who is based at Catterick, in North Yorkshire.
“I’ve played for them in the last few games and I’m doing all right, but I am a Wigan fan so I get a bit of stick for that.”
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