'Couldn't turn it down': Smale the latest Olympian to join NRLW
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Australian Rugby 7s star Sharni Smale will make her NRLW debut for Cronulla in Sunday's match against Newcastle after becoming the latest Paris Olympian to switch codes.
Smale, who had been expected to join the Wallaroos squad after the Olympic Games in Paris, signed with the Sharks following injuries to fullback Jada Taylor and promising youngster Grace-Lee Weekes.
The 36-year-old, who won a gold medal playing alongside Cronulla playmaker Emma Tonegato at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, is the fourth Rugby 7s player to switch codes after Paris.
She is the first Australian to make the switch after the Olympics and joins gold medal winning Kiwi Ferns trio Tyla King, Stacey Waaka and Tenika Willison.
After concluding her 12-year Rugby 7s career in Paris, Smale is excited about the switch to league after growing up carrying the sand bucket for the Batlow Tigers in in Group 9.
"The universe speaks... it's just crazy how opportunities present themselves. I couldn't turn this opportunity down and not give it a crack," Smale said.
"It's perfect timing for me, announcing my sevens retirement and looking for the next thing, and to be able to be on home soil is amazing.
"I'm feeling for those girls that are injured, but I'm grateful I've been given an opportunity."
Sharks captain Tania Penitani has also previously played with Williams as a member of the Rugby Australia 7s program.
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"I think Sharni will be a great asset," Penitani said. "She is a leader, so she is obviously a mature age.
"She took the reins for Australia when I just came in fresh out of high school, so I know Sharni very well. She is that cool, calm, collected and experienced leader who will go well in our side."
Penitani and Tonegato are just some of the familiar faces at the Sharks for Smale.
"There's actually eight or nine of the girls that I've played sevens with," she said.
"It makes you feel comfortable when you know half the team. All the other girls are just so lovely and made me feel so welcome."
Smale was named on the bench for the clash with the Knights at PointsBet Stadium, and she nominated centre and lock as likely positions given her catch-pass skills and defensive prowess.
However, she simply wants to contribute in any way possible.
"Whether I am on the field, not on the field, whatever that looks like, I think I can just add some positivity," Smale said.
"It's not great losing a lot of team members due to injury – I've had to go through it this year as well – so I'll be bringing some positivity and light to the team so they can go through and win a premiership.
"I'm so excited for what lies ahead and to reconnect with some old mates."
Cronulla coach Tony Herman hailed Smale's signing as a major coup.
"While it's devastating to lose Jada and Grace-Lee for the year, it's a massive boost to have someone of Sharni's class and experience come into the team," Herman said.
"A three-time Olympian, Sharni has done it all and played on the world's biggest stages. She is fit and ready to hit the ground running having just represented the nation.
"Being from a sevens background, Sharni has the ability to play multiple positions. We look forward to welcoming her."
King and Waaka played last weekend after returning from Paris with gold medals and helped the Dragons and Broncos to their first wins of the season.
Olympic gold medalist Tyla King rides the high
New Zealand team-mate Tenika Willison is set to make her debut for the Knights against the Sharks.
"It's really, really cool," King said of Williams move to NRLW. "I think she'll do well. She's pretty strong and I know she'll be a pretty good inclusion to the Sharks squad."
