Eels sign Aiton

By PARKER TAMBUA
PARRAMATTA Eels recruit and Papua New Guinea Orchid Therese Aiton says earning a National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) contract has been a dream come true for her.
The rake told The National yesterday that she had never given up on her rugby league goals despite her age. Aiton said she was not surprised as she believed she could play in the NRLW at the age of 32. “I can confirm that I’ve signed a contract with Parramatta Eels’ NRLW side and the deal is for one season (2022),” said the younger sibling of PNG Kumuls legend Paul Aiton.
“Every year, when I didn’t make it to the NRLW, I always questioned my age.
“But I didn’t give up; I always gave 110 per cent at training and in my game. I figured if I give everything I have and if I physically hold my own on the field then it is in God’s hands, and if it is meant to be for me then it will be.”
Aiton said her goal now was to do more personal training while waiting for the pre-season. “I have managed to get a few sessions with my brother, Paul, and I do it four days in a week,” she said.
“My goal is to keep physically fit before I head to Sydney for the pre-season.
“My personal training focus now is on accuracy in passing and skills around the ruck area.”
Meanwhile, Aiton said she was looking forward to the Rugby League World Cup and that she hoped to bring her NRLW experience to the Orchids. “My next goal is to play for Orchids in the World Cup,” she said.
“I hope I get the opportunity to contribute in some way.
“I have grown as a player and as an individual since the last time I wore the Orchids jersey in 2019.”