She may cheer for Fiji in the men’s Rugby League World Cup but Ruan Sims is determined to help Australia defend the women’s crown when their tournament begins in Sydney.
Sims unashamedly admits she has barracked for the Bati in the men’s tournament, cheering on brother Ashton.
“I always cheer for Fiji. It’s great to see Ashton running out for them,” said Sims, whose mother Jacqueline is Fijian.
But there will be no doubting her loyalties when Australia’s Jillaroos open their Women’s World Cup defence against Cook Islands in Sydney next week.
In camp on the Gold Coast ahead of their November 16 opener, Sims admitted there was pressure on Australia to perform in the first stand-alone Women’s World Cup held after their drought breaking 2013 triumph.
The Jillaroos defeated three-time Cup winners New Zealand for the first time – ending a 13-year losing streak – to claim the women’s crown four years ago.
They are world No.2 but Australia are considered tournament favourites ahead of top-ranked New Zealand after knocking over the Kiwis in May’s trans-Tasman Test in Canberra.
“Pulling on the Australian jersey is a massive honour, it is not something we take for granted,” Sims told AAP.
“And we are representing the women’s game in Australia – there is a lot on the line.
“We come into this in a different position than the last few World Cups.
“It’s more pressure but it’s not unpleasant.
“We always say you have to challenge yourself if you are going to grow and get better.”
Sims will extend her family’s remarkable representative success when she runs out against the Cook Islands at Cronulla.
Brothers Ashton, Tariq and Korbin have all represented Fiji while Sims had led her country.
“Backyard footy games at our place got pretty willing, definitely,” Sims laughed.
Remarkably younger sister Canecia may join Sims in the Jillaroos squad.
Canecia – a former Australian gridiron international – has been named in the South East Queensland rugby league development squad just four months after taking up the sport.
“Hopefully I am still around when it happens but it would be amazing to play for Australia alongside my sister,” 35-year-old Sims said.
The Women’s World Cup boasts Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Canada, England and Papua New Guinea.
The December 2 final will be held in Brisbane as a double-header with the men’s Cup decider.
