SHE’S retired from representative rugby league, however, Forster’s Kylie Hilder hasn’t thrown away her footy boots just yet.
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The 42-year-old dummy half has been one of the highest profile women’s rugby league players in the past two years.
Hilder has played for CRL Newcastle in the NSW Women’s Premiership and represented NSW Country.
A knee injury kept her out of the NSW team for last season’s inaugural State of Origin clash.
However, she recovered time to play for Sydney Roosters in the NRL women’s competition.
Hilder is back training with Newcastle, this season under the direction of former Newcastle Knights coach Rick Stone.
At this stage she’s not sure how many matches she’ll be available for because of her role as women’s participation officer with the Country Rugby League.
Hilder could also turn out for the occasional run with the Forster-Tuncurry league tag side in Group Three.
“I know the Hawks will have a young side this year and I’d like to have a game with them, but it will depend on my other commitments.’’
However, one job she is logged in for is as an assistant coach with the Sydney Roosters for this year’s NRL women's premiership.
This will involve moving to Sydney for eight weeks initially for pre-season training before the start of the competition-proper in August.
The same four sides as 2018 – Brisbane, Sydney Roosters, New Zealand and St George will contest the premiership, with the Broncos the defending champions.
Hilder assured she won’t be playing: “I’m looking forward to a new challenge,’’ she said.
