After being a part of the Singleton Greyhounds inaugural women’s 9’s side, and taking out the history-making pre-season competition, the talented pair will line up for the Newcastle Knights when they take on Cronulla this Saturday.

The historic nines exhibition match will kick off at 5.05pm after the NRL fixture at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

Desmond will play up front, and Carter in the back line.

The squad was selected from across the Hunter, and includes Jillaroos like Caitlin Moran, Isabelle Kelly, Simone Smith and Bec Young, who is also the Knight’s team captain.

But far from being intimidated, the experienced Desmond is keen to make her mark.

“I feel like a bit of an outsider with all the big name Jillaroo players in the team,” she says.

“However, as my mates said just make sure by the end of the game they do know who you are.”  

Desmond admits at this stage it all still feels a bit surreal.

“We had a team training on Tuesday with Knights coaching staff but I was unable to make it due to work commitments,” she explains.

“So I think it will hit me tonight when I turn up to training and I am handed my Knights gear.”

KNIGHTS WOMEN: Bec Young (c), Amy Broadhead, Jerry Burgmann, Brooke Carter, Phoebe Desmond, Jayme Fressard, Kylie Hilder, Isabelle Kelly, Skye Lovett, Alicia Martin, Caitlin Moran, Simone Smith, Donna Sutton, Margaret Watson, Holli Wheeler, Jade Wilson.