Something magic seems to happen when the names Rodwell and Colquhoun join together on the footy field.
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The connection between the Illawarra families began in rugby league with good mates Tom Rodwell and Jesse Colquhoun, who have gone on to play Jersey Flegg with the Cronulla Sharks.
Now, it's their younger sisters who are grabbing attention after Sophie and Olivia were picked for the Australian Oztag girls 17-18 years development squad.
Sophie Rodwell and Olivia Colquhoun, both 16, will represent the 'Tagaroos' on their Trans Tasman tour of New Zealand in April.
The pair have played Oztag together in the Wollongong competition since they were nine or 10 years old.
However, Sophie said they were picked on the back of solid performances at last October's Junior Australian Oztag Championships.
"I've known 'Liv' for a long time, we're close friends. We've played sport together for a long time and I'm very excited to make the team with her," the Gwynneville teenager said.
"I was very surprised that I got in, but it will be a good experience. My goal is to get involved and learn a lot."
Olivia Colquhoun, of Keiraville, said she was excited to get her chance to represent Australia.
"I hope to further develop my Oztag skills, meet new friends and just have fun while playing a sport I love," Olivia said. "I enjoy the fast flowing speed of the game and playing a code of football with friends."
Olivia said she became friends with Sophie in primary school.
"We've done so much together. We've played rep touch, Oztag and netball together, and we did the Australia Day Aquathon for many years," she said.
"We did nippers together from U/8s at Wollongong City and of course played in as many school sport teams together as we could. We are not only close friends on the sporting field, but spend plenty of time having together off the field too."
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