It's been a breakout year for rising South Coast talent Keele Browne in many regards.
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However, it can also be seen as the culmination of years of hard work, where she is on the verge of kick-starting her big-time career.
During the past six months alone, the Milton-Ulladulla product helped the Illawarra Steelers finish third place in the Tarsha Gale Cup before being named their player of the year and starred in the Helensburgh Tiger Lillies run to the women's premiership finals. Following this, Browne starred for the NSW Country under 19s side, which led to her making her sky blue debut against the Maroons in June.
All this, as well as being part of St George Illawarra's inaugural academy squad (aimed at creating a pathway for players into the senior system), catapulted the former Ulladulla High School student to her highest honour yet - signing her first NRLW contract with the Dragons.
"I was told I would be offered an NRLW contract by Heady [coach Matt Head] at one of the Dragons women's academy training sessions and I honestly didn't believe it," the outside back said.
"I was pulled aside in the middle of a session and after I was told, I had to continue training as if nothing happened because I couldn't tell anyone yet.
"I rang my parents as soon as training finished and was so excited to tell them both.
"They, as well as my brother and sister, have both been following my journey every step and continually supporting me the whole way."
Although the COVID-19 lockdown has forced Browne and other Dragons players, such as Stingrays' Teagan Berry, to train from home, team sessions are expected to start in the near future.
"I'm beyond excited to be a part of this season's NRLW squad," the 18-year-old said.
"This opportunity was a huge goal that came around a lot sooner than expected.
"I've looked up to these players and this competition since I started playing rugby league and to be a part of it now is a dream."
Browne, who is one of two development players for the club alongside fellow Steeler Chantel Tugaga, is on a one-year deal - like every other player in the NRLW.
As such, she sees the 2021 campaign as a learning experience, to allow her to take that next step in her career.
"I want to learn as much as I can this season and make the most of this opportunity, being around coaches and players who know so much about the game," said the outside back, who admitted she is happy to train and play wherever best helps the team. The ultimate goal is to make an NRLW debut but being so young with so much to learn, I'm stoked to just be in a position where I can develop as a player and gain experience in the women's game and when that time comes it will whether it be this season or not."
The Gold Coast Titans, Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels will join the four foundation clubs, St George Illawarra, Roosters and Brisbane in an expanded competition in November, with a draw and grounds still to be finalised.
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