All Hale Meg: Vegas Combine winner to make NRLW debut

Titans captain Georgia Hale is excited to play alongside the inaugural Vegas Combine winner Megan Pakulis when the Canadian makes her NRLW debut in Sunday’s derby against the Broncos.

Pakulis, who will become the first North American to play in the NRLW, was presented with her debut jersey by NRL Pathways Project Manager Mike Castle – the man who presented her first rugby league jersey at the 2017 World Cup in his role as Ravens coach.

That was also Hale’s first contact with Pakulis and the Kiwi Ferns captain took a closer interest after seeing her in action at the 2022 World Cup in England, where she was named at lock in the Women's Team of the Tournament.

The Ravens captain again impressed at the 2023 42025.combine in Las Vegas and was one of two female athletes selected to travel to Australia in the hope of winning an NRLW contract.

“She was an absolute stand out in the 2022 World Cup, and it's been a goal of hers that she's been working towards, so it's so nice to see her here and rub shoulders and work so closely together,” Hale said.

“She's a beautiful person and she's an absolute beast of a player so I am looking forward to Meg getting this opportunity because it’s been one that's been a long time coming for her. It’s a really nice story.”

Pakulis already holds a place in the record books after becoming Canada’s first ever tryscorer when she crossed in the 11th minute of their first Test against the Kiwi Ferns at Sharks Stadium during the 2017 World Cup.

After playing in the 2024 Women’s National Championships as a guest player, along with fellow 42025.combine winner MarCaya Bailous, the 28-year-old joined York in the Women’s Super League and helped the Valkyrie to premiership success.

With Jillaroos prop Shannon Mato unavailable this season due to pregnancy, Gold Coast coach Karyn Murphy reached out to Pakulis and she joined the Titans for the start of pre-season training.

“She's a welcome addition to our team,” Hale said. “She is a good sort that one, an absolute sponge.

“She's really ripped in, she's just that type of nature - like she's just got that fire in her, which is so cool to see.

“She's deceivingly a bigger body than you think, and we've had the loss of Shannon obviously on our team due to her pregnancy, so it allows for some competition for that spot, and we've welcomed in Meg.

"She's been a great addition to the team.”

After winning the inaugural Vegas Combine on the eve of the NRL double-header at Allegiant Stadium that kicked off the 2023 season, Pakulis told reporters she had tried to model her game on Hale, the 2023 IRL Golden Boot winner.

Castle said Pakulis was a pioneer of women’s rugby league in Canada and would be an inspiration for other North American athletes to aim for the NRL or NRLW.