Last weekend, Barrow Raiders Ladies youngster India Jackson made a Betfred Women’s Super debut which has been a long time coming.
Jackson’s rugby league journey, which began at the age of five, hit another major milestone on Sunday as she impressed on debut away at Featherstone Rovers Women.
The teenager linked up with the Barrow Ladies squad during the off-season, with head coach Amanda Wilkinson quick to praise her “natural talent” for the game.
“It was a special feeling for me to make my competitive debut as it’s been a long time coming,” she said.
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“It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get the win, but for me the day was always going to be special as those around me are a bunch of great people.
“Because I am still so young, it’s amazing to be given that chance by Amanda, and to know that they trust me enough to put me on the pitch with much more experienced players.
“I don’t doubt myself because I train week in, week out with such talented players and get mentoring from some amazing coaches.”
Having first played for the Raiders at development level – part of the club’s pathway for young female rugby league players trying to progress in the game – Jackson then impressed at an open trials event.
But at the age of 16, she was too young to play in the Women’s Super League at the time. Instead, she played for the club’s Reserves side for a season, continuing to get invaluable minutes under her belt.
Now 17, Jackson is quickly establishing herself in the first team group and hopes to be a source of inspiration for other young girls who want to embark on a similar journey.
“For me, it’s very important to get young girls interested in playing rugby because this team isn’t going to be playing forever,” she said.
“At some point we will need the next generation to filter in and carry on what we are building at the club. It also inspires me to know that we go out on a Sunday and play, and that could be the highlight of the week for that kid.”
Next up, Jackson and the rest of the Barrow Ladies squad will tackle their toughest assignment to date this season.
They will welcome 2022 League Leaders’ Shield winners York Valkyrie to the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium in the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup group stages.
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There will also be a special exhibition from midday, showcasing the inspirational female pioneers of international rugby league.
Previewing the match, Jackson said: “It’s going to be an undeniably hard game for us, but we take the field and we play to the best of our ability.
“We will go out there and put in everything, so win or lose we’ll have each other and the experience under our belts.
“Obviously, we don’t know who’s going to be in the squad yet, but to know that I could be selected to play against York is definitely a possibility that excites me.”
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