Barrow Raiders Ladies utility back Charlotte Todhunter admits she is relishing the chance to continue to test herself in the Betfred Women’s Super League after being promoted from the club’s reserves side.
The 29-year-old, who linked up with the first team alongside second-rower Leah Clough in mid-August, made her debut in the club’s recent defeat to Warrington Wolves.
A week later, she enjoyed a memorable home debut, scoring twice against Bradford Bulls in a 38-0 victory at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.
After a serious knee injury earlier in her life, Todhunter only returned to rugby league earlier this season but was quick to impress.
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“It feels amazing to be recognised as a player and have the opportunity to step up and join the lasses in the first team,” she said. “I felt like I was thrown in at the deep end against Warrington, but I needed it!
“I loved being on the pitch, especially for my home debut. My nerves were shot through the roof on that morning, but they soon settled when I was on the pitch.
“I felt really at home with the girls and sailed across for two tries, which was fantastic.
“Fitness, skills-wise, it’s a big step up. I’m really enjoying the challenge, and it’s a great opportunity to develop my skills and become a better player.”
Last Sunday, the Raiders Ladies finished the regular season with a narrow 14-10 loss to Featherstone Rovers at the Millennium Stadium.
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The pair will lock horns again in the play-off semi-finals on Sunday 11 September, and Todhunter says being involved with the squad at the business end of the season is something she didn’t expect to happen so quickly.
“I definitely wasn’t thinking about it a couple of months ago,” she added. “Just to get the chance to play in the play-offs and maybe even a Grand Final, it’s blown my mind.
“I only started playing rugby again this season. I played about five games for the reserves before being called up [to the first team], so I’m absolutely buzzing to be a part of it, if I’m chosen.”
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