NRLW Players: Pauline Piliae-Rasabale

Pauline Piliae-Rasabale had to make a big decision at the start of this year about where her sporting career was headed.

Would she continue her rugby union career as an Australian international or make the jump to Wests Tigers with the chance to play NRLW but with no guarantee of a contract.

Speaking to family and club staff, Pauline’s decision to code hop has cemented her position as one of the NRLW team’s prominent playmakers.

“With the NRLW scene growing I really wanted to have a crack and after talking to the club they said there was definitely an opportunity but no certainty of a contract,” said Pauline.

“Talking to my husband, he was very supportive and he really wanted me to have a go.

“After playing Harvey Norman this year and talking to Matt Betsy and Brett Kimmorley about the season, it cemented my decision.

Picking up the ‘oval ball’ in her early 20s, Pauline began playing rugby union in New Zealand where she also played a few ‘muck around’ seasons of rugby league before moving to Australia in 2019.

Pauline joined St Marys’ Harvey Norman side for a season in 2019, though felt she wanted to stick to the 15-a-side game.

Her persistence earnt selection for the NSW Waratahs and, significantly, the Australian Wallaroos, where she made her international debut in 2022 and was player-of-the-match.

She also competed in the Women’s Rugby World Cup the same year in New Zealand.

Pauline says representing Australia was a huge achievement but she’s adamant she made the right decision to cross codes.

“Playing in the Rugby World Cup was a huge achievement but it's great to be learning so much under Brett [Kimmorley] now as my coach," said Piliae-Rasabale.

“The way the girls all came together over the pre-season and all the work we’ve put in and the respect the group has built has made our inaugural season really special.”

Even more special was earning an NRLW debut in round one, with her husband and two boys watching on

“It was very special for me,” she said.

“I spend quite a lot of time away from them with training and so just having them there to see that moment was great.

“To be able to go up and give them a big kiss and hug made everything feel so real for sure.

“My husband told me my eldest son was even sitting on the seats commentating the match!”