The Mole: From Rural Roots to Blues Debut – Ellie Johnston’s Journey as a ‘Cowgirl’

The NSW Blues will feature a self-identified cowgirl in their lineup as they aim to wrangle in Queensland at Suncorp Stadium this Thursday evening.

Ellie Johnston, hailing from the quaint bush settlement of Coomba Park near Foster, has been riding horses since she was young. In her off-season, she takes part in rodeos and showjumping competitions.

“I’m a bush girl – a cowgirl – and I adore my horses almost as much as I love my footy,” the Cronulla Sharks prop shared with Wide World of Sports.

“We have a farm, so my parents take care of my horses when I’m busy, which I’m grateful for.”

The 24-year-old forward has faced a lengthy and frustrating wait for her debut with the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.

She found herself on the extended bench four times throughout 2023 and 2024, only to be cut just before the matches, leaving her eager to finally step onto the field with her fellow players.

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“I’ve had to stay patient, and I’m a tad nervous – this will be the biggest game I have ever played,” she admitted.

“However, I’ve been part of two grand finals in the NRLW, so I have an idea of what to anticipate.”

“Being in the middle is quite a struggle – I like to refer to it as the washing machine.”

The solidly built 109kg prop also works part-time as a support worker, expertly balancing her job with her commitments at the Sharks.

Johnston remains somewhat coy about the specific role she will play in the highly anticipated match.

“(Coach) John Strange has chosen me for a reason,” she said.

“Of course, I’ll need to focus on making the hard yards and definitely tackling, but beyond that, I’m open to whatever unfolds.”