League: Murray makes commanding debut

Dad Chris was there to watch Krystal Murray play her first international and help the New Zealand women's rugby league side to a 12-8 win over world champions Australia in Wollongong. Photo / Supplied

Pulling on a New Zealand jersey for the first time didn't stop Kaitaia's Krystal Murray from making an impressive international debut, helping the national women's rugby league side to a 12-8 victory over world champions Australia in Wollongong to take the Trans Tasman Trophy.

The holders scored inside the first 10 minutes which suggested a rout was on the cards, but the New Zealand women regathered, took back the lead and managed to hold on to it until the final whistle.

Murray, who grew up playing JMB rugby and junior league in Kaitaia, spent a good portion of the game at prop. Afterwards, the 21-year-old, a private in the NZ Army, said the feeling of donning a New Zealand jersey for the first time was indescribable.

"Can't even explain how good it was. Tough game, one of the hardest games I've ever played," she said of the experience two weeks ago, adding thanks to her dad Chris for helping her realise a dream by playing for her country.

"I would like to thank my dad for everything that I have ever done, I wouldn't have done it without him.

"The support of my family and friends has been amazing."

New Zealand coach Rusty Matua said he was impressed with the performances by every one of the 10 debutantes in his 18-strong side, all standing up to the trial by fire against the Aussies, not least of all Murray.

"Absolutely rapt with her performance. Krystal had a great debut, really strong. Still quite new to the game, but she's got wonderful skills. I believe she's a real player for the future. She certainly lived up to expectations."

Matua said the visitors showed courage under fire in front of a parochial home crowd and under intense pressure in the last stages of the second half, when the team had to withstand four back-to-back sets from the Australians on their own line.

Murray's New Zealand debut was played out in front of a strong contingent of family and friends from Kaitaia which included her biggest supporter and very proud father.

"It was a dream come true for her and me," he said.

The Australia vs New Zealand women's international was the curtain-raiser to the Four Nations game between Australia and Samoa in Australia.