The South Sydney Rabbitohs Women's side had two new faces play in their 32-4 win over the North Sydney Bears on Sunday afternoon, with winger Ianeta Baker and forward Donita Leifi donning the Red and Green for the first time.
For Baker, it was a special moment for herself, as the New Zealand born winger had a chance to represent the South Sydney district, the only district she has lived in since moving to Australia.
"It was really good to put on the Red and Green and represent the area I've lived in since moving from New Zealand," she said.
"It was definitely hot out there but we knew we had to work hard for each other, stick together and work as a team and play for the jersey."
Making grade is always a daunting task, but lucky for Ianeta, she had Jillaroos star Nakia Davis-Welsh lining up next to her in the centres, something she says was invaluable for her first game in Red and Green.
"It was really good, I learned a lot from her. She talks really well and really guided me out there," she said.
Baker also gave an insight into the team's next game, which comes against their closest rivals Mounties, which will be played on Thursday night at ANZ Stadium before the NRL match.
"Mounties will be a really tough team. They're a lot bigger, but it will be good to play out on the big stage, it will be a little bit daunting but it's going to be great representing our colours."
Despite being a late addition to the squad, Donita Leifi has progressed strongly and was respectful of the Bears, who scored the first try of the match.
"It was tough work. We went back to basics but loved being a part of the magic. It was awesome," said Donita.
"The girls just worked for each other. We didn't forget our roots and we just kept working hard even when we were tired, and we worked through both our talking and our actions.
"They're a fit side. They had some speed and we just had to work harder than we do. We never disrespect our opposition, we're always ready to rock and roll, and they made us work hard for the win."
Leifi echoed her teammates' assessment on Mounties, declaring that it would be a hard-fought match between the two teams at the top of the table.
"It should be a good battle. Mounties have a strong forward pack, so the girls will have their work cut out for them," she said.
