YORK Valkyrie star Hollie-Mae Dodd admits that she is thankful for the chance to turn professional in Australia.

Dodd, 19, has agreed a two-year contract to join Canberra Raiders for their inaugural season in the Telstra National Women’s Rugby League Premiership, a landmark deal that sees her become the first English woman to sign a professional contract down under.

It’s been a dramatic rise up the ranks for the loose forward, who initially began her career in ballroom dancing, before being tempted to join Castleford Tigers aged 16.

Dodd’s ‘dancing feet’ have served her well since, making her England debut in their 60-0 victory over Wales in 2021, before playing an integral part in York’s Betfred Women’s Super League League Leaders’ Shield triumph, as well as England’s run to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, last year.

She is leaving York with her head held high, having contributed a handful of tries and assists as the Valkyrie staked their claim for the Betfred Women’s Super League crown with impressive victories against main rivals Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, and admits she is grateful to have been given the opportunity to fulfil her dream in Australia.

“I’m really thankful for the opportunity,” she reflected.

“It’s a dream. I know most of the players now are wanting to become full-time athletes and we’re just not there yet in this country.

“I just think now’s my opportunity, and I’m just going to take it. I’ve just taken every opportunity I can[so far] really.

“The game is just growing immensely. I know from the World Cup the amount of young females that are getting involved in the sport is amazing.

“I was speaking to someone yesterday and I was saying that when we were playing in the World Cup, we couldn’t actually hear ourselves on the pitch because of the amazing support we had and it’s really growing as a sport.

“Hopefully we’ll be where Australia are in a few years time, and be able to let athletes be full-time.

“I can’t wait to be over there and playing, and being a full-time athlete. That’s what every girl dreams of when they start playing rugby league.”

Dodd was first approached by clubs in the country three years ago, but instead opted to join York, believing that she wasn’t ready to make the move.

With a ‘new dawn’ of rugby approaching in the country, including the formation of a new 10-team league, and a salary cap that has almost doubled, the opportunity was too good for her to turn down this time around.

“I did actually get approached by a club when I was 16-years-old, however, I just didn’t think I was ready and have enough game time,” she explained.

“However, before the World Cup, I did get approached from a agency company who said ‘We would like to have you on board and and ever since then it’s just[gone from there].

“I’ve had contacts from clubs and Canberra was just the one that caught my eye.

“The first conversations we had, I just got along with all the coaches really well, they seemed really intrigued and wanted to have me on board.

“I just felt as though as soon as I had the first chat with them, we just connected instantly and I thought ‘that’s where I want to be’.

“I think now’s the time. I’m looking for a challenge and I think that’s definitely going over there and playing alongside some of the best athletes in the world.

“It’s going to help me become a better player and help me to develop my game.”

Valkyrie Director of Rugby Lindsay Anfield has been alongside Dodd every step of the way, having played a “massive part” in her career thus far.

“She was the one that actually told me to come down to Castleford, and that’s where I started my women’s career,” she reflected.

“She introduced me to the women’s game and said ‘look, I want you to play in the Challenge Cup final at 16-years-old’ and since then I’ve never looked back.

“She’s helped me massively. She’s been so supportive on the Australia move and she just wants what’s best for each player, I appreciate her millions.

“[The Valkyrie], they’re all like my family. They’re my best friends.

“Even the coaches, I love every single one of them.

“Being within a team sport it is hard leaving and I know it’s going to be. The best place for me is going to be moving.

“After the game on Sunday, I had to speak with the women’s group upstairs and they were just asking me and I was saying, ‘I’m gonna get emotional’.

“It is an emotional time, but I just think it’s the best for me.”