Raecene McGregor, a former Dally M Medallist, has been at the heart of the Wests Tigers’ remarkable turnaround this NRLW season.
Yet her path to rugby league success was far from straightforward, with the star playmaker exploring several sporting avenues before finding her home in the 13-man code.
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While many people know that McGregor also enjoyed success in Rugby Sevens, including winning a gold medal at the 2014 Youth Olympics, fewer are aware that she was on track for a career in soccer.
McGregor represented Australia, travelling to Ho Chi Minh City as part of the national team and lining up alongside future Matildas Alanna Kennedy and Chloe Logarzo-Berryhill.
“A long, long time ago in Under-14s I represented Australia. We went to Ho Chi Minh City playing for Australia,” she said.
“I was a striker a long time ago now.”
McGregor represented Australia at the Youth Olympics in rugby sevens.Source: News Corp Australia
However, as she progressed through he teenage years, the Tigers superstar was forced to make the difficult decision about which sporting path she wanted to pursue.
“It got to a point where I was told that I either had to pick soccer or kind of move away from it, which was hard for me because I played a lot of other sports growing up,” McGregor added.
Despite rugby league not being her immediate choice, McGregor eventually found her way to the sport and never looked back.
“I don’t know why exactly I chose rugby league because it wasn’t straight away,” she continued.
“I played sevens as well, and then I just enjoyed the contact. I was probably a bit too rough for soccer anyway, to be honest.
“I played sevens and then when I had finished school, I went to rugby league training and fell in love with the game and ever since I’ve just not looked back
“I definitely think it’s suited me better. I’m quite aggressive when I’m on the field, so it’s suited to my personality a bit better.”
She was named the 2022 Dally M Medallist.Source: Getty Images
MOVE TO THE TIGERS
The 2022 Dally M Medallist and former Golden Boot winner has also opened up on her move to the Tigers, revealing that the decision came after a challenging finish to her time at the Dragons.
Spending the past three seasons at the Dragons, McGregor’s stint at the club came to an abrupt ending when coach Nathan Cross opted to omit her at the backend of last year’s campaign
“The year didn’t end the way I wanted to last year at the Dragons,” she said.
“There were probably a few things that were said that you know weren’t true and I don’t really want to speak on that.”
Revealing she needed a fresh start and had been struggling to find her passion for the game, she viewed the move to the Tigers as a lifeline.
“I had a few other options but I really wanted to stay in Sydney. That was my main goal,” McGregor said.
She has been a key factor behind the turnaround at the Tigers.Source: Getty Images
“I am from here and I’m not getting any younger. I didn’t want to have to relocate if I didn’t have to, so maybe it was a little bit of a lifeline there that threw me here.
“I’m really grateful to him [Tigers coach Craig Sandercock] for keeping me here in Sydney and I just want to repay him by giving me the opportunity and hopefully I can put in the hard work and get some wins.
The veteran playmaker also believes her experience can help mentor the younger players coming through the club’s ranks.
“I’m a fresh head, clear direction and someone that’s been around for a long time and a little bit older,” she elaborated.
“I’m here guiding the girls and hopefully I can show that this season.”