Rising women's rugby league playing sisters Grace and Stella Tijou have joined the strong St George Dragons u18s side.
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The nine-week competition is currently underway, but the duo have made the decision to play a restricted number of games.
Grace, who lives in Forster and Stella, a Wauchope resident, have been earmarked to play in the centres or second row for the Dragons.
"We just can't commit to attending training - because it's in Sydney - and the coach says we are likely to play in three games during the season," Grace said.
"We were both listed to play on February 8 against the Newcastle Knights but that game was washed out.
"So far we have really enjoyed testing ourselves against higher quality players at training and in trial games.
"We've played two trials - winning against the Tigers before going down to the Illawarra Steelers."
Grace, who turned 18 in September, has this year in the u18s grade before moving into the opens competition. However Stella, who is in year 11 at Wauchope High School, can trial for this competition next year.
The pair got a taste of contact sport playing rugby union at school level.
A mutual friend suggested they should attend a trial at the back end of 2019 with the Dragons.
"We went down to Sydney for the trial, just to see where we were at in regards to football," Stella said.
We really didn't think too much about gaining selection but we eventually go an email back saying that we had made the team.
- Stella Tijou
"We really didn't think too much about gaining selection but we eventually go an email back saying that we had made the team.
"It was pretty exciting.
"While we won't be able to play every game or attend all training sessions, the coaching staff have given us a training regime to follow."
The Dragons players said the training sessions had been enjoyable and they were picking up tips and techniques to improve their individual games.
"The training is just so good. It just makes sense (what they are being told)," Stella said.
"You are always training with ball in hand and although it is really tough, it is still really technical.
"We both see this as an opportunity to get a taste of tougher competition."
Both players praised Wauchope High School teacher and coach Matt Taylor for their early education in league and union.
"Playing at school really brought out our competitive nature and we have been part of some successful teams (at school level) over the years", Stella said.
The sisters also praised everyone associated with the Wauchope Thunder Rugby Union Club for helping them enjoy the sport.
While both girls favour playing in the centres, Grace did get shifted to the wing for one of the trial matches and was likely to be selected in the second row in the future.
Both players are keen to make careers out of the sport.
Grace is considered a strong defender while Stella is best known as an attacking centre.
They also thanked their parents, John and Tracey Tijou for their support.
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