Forbes rugby star Lillyann Mason-Spice has been selected to represent Australia A in the upcoming Oceania Rugby Women's Championships.
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Having only played rugby for the past three years, and without a lot of 15-a-side experience, Mason-Spice said she was "shocked" by her selection in the squad announcement this week.
The 19-year-old was recognised following her starring role for Central West in their undefeated Country Championships campaign in June, resulting in her being named Player of the Tournament.
She's since represented a variety of teams at a range of high performance tournaments.
"I'm pretty hyped over the selection. Also a little shocked at the same time as I haven't played many 15s before," she said.
"My role will be playing in the backline somewhere being a finisher. It's possible I'll be fullback which requires a lot of leadership and confidence."
The Championships pits together Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Wallaroos A and the New Zealand Black Ferns Development.
While it's a valuable international experience, Mason-Spice says she's also looking beyond the Championships towards an opportunity with either the NSW Waratahs or ACT Brumbies in the 2020 Super W season.
"This is a high honour for me to achieve, yet I don't think it'll be the highest to achieve in my career as there's many opportunities. Hopefully I can take advantage, set new goals and start ticking them off," she said.
"The Super W is coming up so I'll see what pathway to choose."
Born and raised in Forbes, Mason-Spice thanked her parents, Jason and Larelle Spice, and all her hometown supporters.
"It means a lot of travelling to make training and trials. I've only been playing rugby for three years, so having a women's team in Forbes has helped me adapt as there was games to play locally," she said.
"Obviously this all wouldn't be possible without so much support from my parents Jason and Larelle Spice, also Angus McDonald for always pushing me to strive for my best, and all support from the local rugby club. Thanks everyone who has been pushing me to strive for my best."
Australia's squad also features Grenfell's Samantha Wood who played for the ACT Brumbies in their 2019 Super W campaign.
The Oceania Rugby Women's Championships begins on November 18 at Lautoka, Fiji.
It also acts as a qualifying stage for the 2021 Women's World Cup, with Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea competing for a direct berth.
Australia and New Zealand have already secured their spots.
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