Eels will get best out of Elsie: Cherrington

Jillaroos forward Kennedy Cherrington believes Parramatta can be the club to rejuvenate star recruit Elsie Albert after her departure from the Dragons ahead of the 2023 NRLW season.

Albert will don blue and gold for the next two years after knocking back a move to Queensland in an addition Cherrington welcomed after the Eels lost several of their forwards to rival clubs including co-captain Simaima Taufa to Canberra.

The PNG international had a quiet 2022 campaign statistically compared to the rescheduled 2021 season early last year but Cherrington is confident with a change of scenery that Albert can get back to her best.

"She’s got power, intimidation and I think everyone knows about Elsie’s presence when she’s on the field," Cherrington told pan66.com.

"But if you know Elsie off it she’s a beautiful person and big teddy bear. She’s a player I admire because she can flick that switch and that's something we want her doing all the time. 

"I’m here to help her grow as a player. The skills she has is still untapped talent and Parra can help her develop into an even scarier player. She’s exactly what we need at Parramatta."

Albert will be joined by Dragons teammate Rachael Pearson at the Eels with a three-year contract proving too good for NSW halfback to ignore after starting rugby league late in her career.

“It’s exciting with where the women’s game is going that a club values you and is willing to back you for a long time,” Pearson said.

“There were a few opportunities that came up and I worked through it. I’m really keen to work with Dean Widders and Kate Mulally, who I’ve worked with before.

“Andy Patmore and Nathan Brown are there too and I want to grow my game as much as I can and I think they can help me do that.”

Pearson was rested for last week’s City-Country clash but along with Cherrington is expected to be part of Kylie Hilder’s extended NSW squad when the Origin I announcements are made later this month.

For Cherrington, who missed Origin selection last year but went on to play for the Jillaroos at the World Cup, she’s eager to join Pearson and return to sky blue.

It shapes as timely with forward trio Hannah Southwell, Holli Wheeler and Caitlan Johnston unavailable due to knee injuries.

“I do want to get back playing for NSW, it’s a determination thing to prove to myself after not making Origin last year and then bouncing back with grand final and World Cup,” Cherrington said.

“[Jillaroos coach] Brad Donald gave me the confidence in what I was doing was right. He said he loves the things I’m doing off the field because that plays into my performance.

“I get told that by my parents but not by my coach so to hear it from him made me feel good because the World Cup campaign was probably the best footy I’ve played. I’ve just got to keep staying authentic and being me.”