Whilst most of the focus at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup will be on Australia and New Zealand, the England Lionesses will be looking to remind the rest of the world that this year’s tournament will be more than a two-horse race.
Leading the charge will be current England vice-captain, Jodie Cunningham, who will be looking to take the Lionesses to the next level.
Impressing on the wing at the World Cup, and continuing to dominate the local club scene, Jodie was soon added to the England leadership group the following season, and then handed the Vice-Captaincy outright at just age 23.
Since her promotion to the ranks of leader, England has enjoyed an unbeaten run in international Rugby League, with Jodie scoring in each clash, whilst alternating between Centre and Fullback for the Lionesses.
Taking up the code in High School at Cardinal Newman Catholic, Jodie made an immediate impact on the local Rugby League scene, and was drafted into the England national squad at just 17.
Despite a solid opening debut, Jodie would miss out on making the final squad for the 2008 Women’s World Cup, and would have to wait until 2013 for her first opportunity to represent England at a World Cup.
Domestically Jodie has also continued to shine, leading her Thatto Heath Crusaders to victory against the Bradford Bulls in last year’s Women’s Premier League Grand Final whilst also collecting the Women’s Challenge Cup and European Club Championship titles along the way as well.
Player Facts
Name: Jodie Cunningham
Nation: England
Club: Thatto Heath / St Helens
Position: Wing / Centre / Fullback
Born: 5 December 1992
Where to Catch Her in Action
Vs Papua New Guinea
Purchase Tickets to England v Papua New Guinea at Southern Cross Stadium on 16/11/2017
Vs Australia
Purchase Tickets to England v Papua New Guinea at Southern Cross Stadium on 19/11/2017
Vs Cook Islands
Purchase Tickets to England v Cook Islands at Southern Cross Stadium on 22/11/2017
By Steve Birchall | @StevenBirchall
Contributor, RLWC2017
