Aussie bobsledder makes Wests Tigers debut

She’s felt the rhythm and felt the rhyme, but for Ashleigh Werner, it’s now rugby league time.

This Saturday, the Australian bobsledder will trade the ice for the hallowed turf of Campbelltown Sports Stadium as she makes her Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership debut for Wests Tigers.

She’ll line up in the centres, where she hopes that the speed and power developed on the ice will provide her side with an additional spark to ignite their title defence.

Although the world of bobsledding may seem a far cry from rugby league, Werner has a background in touch football and is more than comfortable with the ball in hand.

“I’ve essentially been an athlete my whole life, starting swimming from the age of four and Little Athletics from the age of ten," Werner said.

“During school, I started playing netball and touch football and really found my love for being on the field.”

Werner made several national representative teams as a teen and was eventually lured into a Rugby 7’s talent transfer program. 

It was there that she ‘accidentally’ stumbled into the sport of bobsled and embarked on a seven-year journey that took her to competitions right across the globe.

Competing on the North American circuit, Werner picked up a gold medal in Lake Placid during her rookie season and finished the 2021/22 season within the top twenty sledders in the Monobob discipline.

Unfortunately, an ill-timed bout of COVID-19 cruelled her Olympic qualification campaign last year, leading her to lace up the boots and rekindle her rugby league desire.

Ahead of Saturday’s match, Werner believes that her time at the Wests Tigers has renewed her sense of purpose and allowed her to rediscover her passion for training at the highest level.

“The past year has been tough after not making the Olympics, and Wests Tigers has really been a light at the end of the tunnel for me," she said.

“Rugby was a first love for me, so it just feels right to be back and I feel so incredibly honoured to be stepping onto the field in the Wests Tigers jersey.”

The 30-year-old is beyond grateful for the support she's had from her new teammates.

"They have been so good to me and made me feel right at home, they are like family to me," said Werner.

They have been so welcoming and amazing, and there is no better bunch of women around.

Ashleigh Werner

Harvey Norman Women's Premiership Head Coach Adel Hage has been impressed with the way Werner has integrated into the team, stating that she is capable of making an instant impact this weekend.

"Ash has looked outstanding in training," said Hage.

"I know she's eager to get out there on Saturday and I wish her and all our new recruits well."