Krystal Rota is one of the stars of the Farrelly Photos Women’s Premiership and was voted Player of the Year in 2017. She’s also a capped Kiwi Fern and was part of the first two NRLW campaigns with the New Zealand Warriors.
You’ve been playing the game for a long time now, what’s your original connection to rugby league?
My Dad (Roger Rota) was a well-known league player back in the day for Otahuhu and my uncles played for teams like Ponsonby. All my boy cousins played rugby league too, so it’s been a massive sport in our family. However, Dad’s family thought it was only a sport for men, which meant my female cousins never played rugby league.
Were you one of the first females in your family to play rugby league then?
Yes, we all grew up playing netball as rugby league for girls was frowned upon. It wasn’t that we weren’t allowed, it’s just that they believed women didn’t play rugby league. It wasn’t until I was 17 when one of my uncles was coaching at the Manurewa Marlins and I thought I’d give it a go.
What’s your best memory from the Farrelly Photos Women’s Competitions so far?
Rona Peters, her sister Hilda Peters and I helped put together Papakura’s first women’s team. We had a couple of years where we got smashed and lost a lot, but when we won it in 2016 that was the most memorable. It was also my first Premiership.
You played in the inaugural NRLW competition with the Warriors too, what was it like?
I learned so much. It was a huge step up in terms of professionalism. The one percenters at club level are so important and you realise that when you get to the NRLW. You have to be consistent, you can’t slack off.
One thing I noticed is if you don’t do what you’re supposed to, you really are a liability to your whole team, especially with the games being televised. Every little thing is exposed.
Did it change you in terms of how you returned to club footy?
Coming back was different. I had learned so much at NRLW level that I wanted to share my knowledge with everyone at my club. Previously when I made teams like the Kiwi Ferns I’d come back and just go through the motions, but making the NRLW and coming back home gave me more confidence to express stuff.
I’ve now been more of a mentor to the younger girls and new players in my team. From a player’s perspective, I’ve also been able to demonstrate things physically for our coaches, and that also helps our girls learn techniques properly.
What are some of the important lessons you’ve learned so far?
I’ve definitely learned that the older you get, the wiser you get from your experiences. In my later years of playing, I’ve become more game smart. You know your body’s limits in terms of when to and when not to play with injuries.
I’ve also learned how important recovery and rehab is for the longevity of my career. When I was younger I tried to play through my injuries, I didn’t stretch, I didn’t warm down, but now it’s one of the most important things I do in my daily routine.
What does your recovery and rehab regime look like now?
After games I do hot and colds and stretching routines. If I have any niggling injuries I ice them and I also get regular massages. During the season I see my physio at least twice a week even if I’m not injured. Before any sort of training, I do a lot of activations for injury prevention. I have to look after myself a lot more now.
What do you make of the current women’s pathway in Auckland following the introduction of the new girls’ grades?
I think it’s so amazing. I wish it was around when I was younger, it’s such a good pathway and I hope in the near future making the NRLW is a full-time career. Having this pathway for our girls makes the game more welcoming all through the grades.
You’ll be 35 by the time next season kicks off, are you definitely going around again in the Auckland comp?
I have been thinking about it and speaking about it with a couple of my coaches. I believe I still have a couple more years in me at professional level.
If I was to retire it would be forced by injury, but in terms of what I want, it won’t be for a couple more years that’s for sure.
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