Late in the year of 2010 Bec was heavily pregnant when she noticed a flyer looking for Indigenous rugby league players to enter in a competition called the All Stars.
Bec grew up playing Union and despite being new to rugby league, there was something that made her know she couldn’t miss that trial match.
“I remember saying to my husband that I really wanted to give this a go,” she told NITV News.
“People are finally starting to realise we can actually play footy so that feels good.”
Just five weeks after giving birth, Bec attended the trial and showed off her skills on the field, however, it wasn’t until she had motherly duties to attend, when the coach noticed the future star had talent.
“I remember the coach was looking for me but I had to duck out the back to breastfeed” she said.
Coach, Rob Brough the current women’s World All Stars coach, was impressed with her talent and in February 2011, Bec played in the very first women's Indigenous All Stars game.
2011 would go on to be a big year for Bec, playing in the NSW cup and making her international debut for the Jillaroos when the team toured Samoa.
"I've loved it (league) ever since, I've never looked back," Bec said.
Tonight six years on and only having missed one game for the birth of her second child, she will do it all over again.
The difference between now and 2011 are stark, but to cover just a few: the match will be televised in a double header as interest in their game grows.
Bec with husband, Mick and 6-year-old Jarrah and baby of the family, 2-year-old Colbee. Source: NITV News
“People are finally starting to realise we can actually play footy so that feels good.”
This time around Bec has not one but two kids and as she leads the girls out of the shed tonight, she will be doing so as their proud captain.
“I was at work when I got the phone call from coach Dean (Widders) I was so, so happy. To be able to lead the girls out on home soil is amazing,” she said.
“Newcastle is a strong rugby league community and a strong Indigenous community so I’m looking forward to giving back to them.”
The women’s Indigenous All Stars will face a strong women’s World All Star side bursting with Jillaroos experience who will be riding the high from last weekend’s impressive Nine’s series win over the Kiwi’s. But representative experience aside, that doesn’t worry the captain who just has one message for her girls.
“This is one game where anything can happen, I’ve seen it before. I just know that the pride that all of these girls carry will get them through this game quite easily.”
A JUGGLING ACT:
Many women in sport juggle footy around, manage families and often have a full time job to focus on. Bec Young is no exception.
The mother of two admits she is very lucky to have good support around her. Without the help of her husband, Mick Young, and her parents who too often help out with the babysitting role, she doesn’t know how she’d manage 6-year-old Jarrah and baby of the family, 2-year-old Colbee.
“We all sit down on Sunday night and work out between us, my training schedule, Mick’s shift work and the kids. My mum and dad also help out a lot to help get our kids to school,” she said.
It was at that moment I realised why I work so hard, to be a good role model for my kids.
“Jarrah and Colbee come to training with me and they come to all my field sessions. They know all of the dynamic stretches that I do.”
Bec’s proved to be a role model on the field and off too.
“One of my proudest moments was when I was training after giving birth to Colbee and it was really hot. My little girl Jarrah was there and she came over to me with a water Bottle and said ‘mum can you have some water?’ It was at that moment I realised why I work so hard, to be a good role model for my kids,” she said.
“Sometimes as a mum I feel a little bit guilty because a lot of our family time is on my footy. I do have a good balance and we do make sure Mick and I are spending time with the kids but sometimes as a mum I think ‘is this too much for them?’ but then I’m reminded that there will be a time soon when I won’t be able to play. That will be the time I can give back to them but right now were a happy family unit.”
Indigenous female sports players. Photo: Barbara McGrady Source: barbara mcgrady
Bec also runs her own business in Newcastle where she manages Aboriginal site surveys.
"I work on the developments that comes in to the area and I talk to the community about sites that might be affected and then make recommendations to protect them."
This year Bec was also appointed as an NRL ambassador, a role she admits can’t believe she’s in.
“I was stoked to even be considered to be an ambassador. You know, to be with the likes of Anthony Minichiello, Danny Buderus, Petero Civoniceva I couldn’t believe it, these guys are amazing.”
WORLD CUP SELECTION:
2017 is shaping up to be the year for rugby league, as the World Cup will be held in Australia and it’s no secret tonight’s game will be watched closely by selectors.
Brad Donald, the coach of the Jillaroos has been spotted at both training camps during the week to observe talent, with each player knowing a strong performance tonight could earn them a spot in the green and gold.
“We’re just as likely to be selected for the World Cup as any of the World All Star girls, so we will definitely be playing for that jersey tonight.”
