How Tonegato convinced du Toit to join NRLW code jumpers

Sharks recruit Dominique du Toit has revealed how former Rugby 7s team-mate Emma Tonegato convinced her to become the latest Paris Olympian to join the NRLW.

Du Toit, who was a member of the Australian Rugby 7s side at the Games in Paris, will join Olympic team-mate Sharni Smale at Cronulla and has been named in an extended squad for Sunday night’s match against the Dragons.

The Zimbabwe-born speedster played alongside Tonegato in 2016, although she was a shadow player at the Rio Games, won by Australia after the Sharks playmaker scored the winning try against the Black Ferns in the final.

With Cronulla having lost injured pair Jada Taylor and Grace-Lee Weekes for the season, Tonegato contacted du Toit to check her interest in a code switch after retiring from Rugby 7s at the conclusion of the Olympics in Paris.

“I am really good friends with Emma Tonegato and she messaged me asking if it is something I would be interested in,” du Toit told the Sharks website.

“I jumped at the opportunity, I think I would be silly to say ‘no’, and I am really, really excited.

“It is not something I was planning on doing, so it is a new challenge, an exciting new opportunity and something I am really looking forward to.”

Smale made her NRLW debut last weekend for the unbeaten Sharks and du Toit could join her in the side to play the Dragons at WIN Stadium on Sunday after signing before the deadline for Round 5 selection.

The 27-year-old is the fifth Rugby 7s star to join the NRLW since the Olympic Games in Paris, along with Smale and gold medal winning Black Ferns trio Tyla King (Dragons), Stacey Waaka (Broncos) and Tenika Willison (Knights).

“I think it is such a great opportunity for women and I think it is fantastic now that women have the opportunity and the choice to pick between different sports that are semi-professional,” du Toit said.

“I think the game has grown so much in Australia in the last few years and it so wonderful to see how many Australians are backing women’s sport and particularly the NRLW girls.”

With the Sharks having won their first four matches, du Toit wasn’t exactly sure where she would fit into the team but is confident that she can play a role in helping the club to a premiership in just their second NRLW season.

“I'm a bit nervous coming into the team; they've had so much success. It's been awesome to see," du Toit said.

"I've watched them grow over the last couple of years into the season now, going four from four and sitting at the top of the ladder on their own. I'm hoping I can slot in somewhere and add some point of difference and value in the team."

Possessing blinding speed and try-scoring nous, du Toit will further bolster Cronulla coach Tony Herman's backline stocks.

"Dom is a world-class athlete who we expect to quickly adapt to rugby league," Herman said.

"With her vast experience, impressive skillset and willingness to learn, Dom will no doubt make her presence felt. We're all excited to have a player and person of her calibre on board."