Georgina Rackemann - Q&A

Have you ever been a part of a world cup before?

No, this will be my first world cup. The last world cup was in 2019. They are usually every 4 years but covid pushed it back. 

What was the trial process like?

Squads are picked on your performance at a number of high level competitions in Aus. There is always coaches and talent scouts keeping an eye out and the best way to be seen is to play in as many of these competitions as possible. Once you have this foot in the door, the coaches and performance staff will look after you and try and help develop you as much as they can. I have been lucky enough to be a squad member of a couple of years now. From there we had a selection camp in February where the final team is picked.

What are you looking forward to the most about representing your country?

I am looking forward to putting on my green and gold jersey representing Aus with pride. Australia has such a rich sporting culture that brings so much passion, determination and sportsmanship. My favourite part is moments before the game starts, standing in the middle of the field, wearing the green and gold, arms around your teammates, signing the national anthem. In a sporting world, there is no better feeling. 

Can you give some background info on the World Cup, where it’s being held, what countries you play, how many games etc

We are playing in Nottingham, England. In the open women’s division there are 21 countries, split into two pools. We play the following countries:

• Day 1: Wales and Singapore
• Day 2: PNG and Lebanon
• Day 3: Japan and France
• Day 4: Cook Islands and Canada
• Day 5: Belgium
• Day 6: Finals

What do you think you’ll be able to bring back to Fairholme and share with our touch players?

I would love to be able to bring back some fresh passion and excitement to be a young touch player in Toowoomba, but particularly Fairholme. I was a Fairholme student and followed the same path that many of the girls are on at the moment. Hopefully, I will give them a bit of inspiration to keep working hard and enjoying the sport, and that no goal is out of reach for them.

Do you have a goal for the tournament?

Our goal for the tournament will be to go through undefeated in our pool games and meet NZ in the final. NZ are very strong and we hope to put on a good show and come away with the World Cup trophy. 

Personally, my goal will be to get through the tournament injury free. Playing two games a day for six days is mentally and physically tough, and I want to be able to play my best come finals day. 

Do you have any game day rituals? 

A don’t really have any game day rituals. I try to take it as easy as possible, eat lots of food and make sure the body is feeling fresh and ready to go. Although, my boots need to be done up tight and hair must be pulled back out of my face. 

Is there anyone in particular you are looking forward to playing with or not looking forward to playing against and why?

I am looking forward to playing the different countries and experiencing how diversely each country is and how differently they all play touch. I have played against NZ and Japan before, and even both of their games styles are so different. It will be interesting to see what the other countries bring to the table and watch challenges we will have to overcome. 

Are your family going over to watch?

I am so lucky to have such a supportive family. Both of my parents are coming over to watch, and my husband. They are very proud and wouldn’t miss it for the world. 

There is quite a contingent of Toowoomba players going how does that make you feel, and is it an inspiration for our younger players coming through?

It is very rewarding to see so many people presenting Toowoomba and South West. Brisbane and the Gold Coast seem to dominate the Qld contingency of touch football players, and a lot of people forget what we have to offer out here in the ‘bush’. I think it is exciting for young players to see a pathway to high level touch that doesn’t involve being from those metro areas. It’s nice for them to see someone they might play with or against in the local competition going away to a World Cup.