McCabe is one of several women's rugby league players who have transitioned across to rugby union while the traditional women's rugby league season is postponed this year.

Last year she played for the Long Flat Dragons in the league nine-a-side competition and has previously played for the Wauchope Blues in 2018.

"There was just no footy on this year and we have a few of girls that play with us at Long Flat who also play union. I thought no worries, I'll try that and we'll see how it goes," she said.

"It hasn't been too bad making the change because there are girls you know who have played rugby league in other teams. Seeing them again made it more comfortable coming across.

"A lot of us league girls have come across to union. It's different but we are still running around and having fun as always."

The Wauchope Thunder women's rugby union side has so far collected five wins and loss to lead the Lower Mid North Coast Competition by four points. Wallamba Bulls are in second place with four wins, followed by Gloucester Cockies, Manning River Ratz and Old Bar Beach Clams.

READ MORE: Wauchope Thunder women's team start 2020 lower Mid North Coast rugby union campaign with win

The biggest differences with moving between league and union are the rule changes, said McCabe.

"I'm starting to know the rules and actually enjoying it now. I suppose remembering that you have to be 10 metres back on side in rugby league as opposed to being only one metre back, is one of the biggest changes," she said.

"Obviously you don't have to play the ball with your foot and it's still on the ground, but you just play it back to the team. The line outs were a bit confusing initially with the chucking in from the sideline.

"For new players I would just say to hang in there and it eventually will get better. Don't be afraid of trying something different to what you normally play this year because there are plenty of other sports in the area."

Wauchope Thunder will play off against Old Bar Clams this Saturday, August 29 from 1.45pm at Andrews Park in Wauchope. The Wauchope men's game starts at 3pm the same day.

In the other Lower Mid North Coast Rugby Union games during round eight, Barbarians Hogs will play Wallamba Bulls, while Manning River Ratz will play Gloucester Cockies on August 29.

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