Keremete hopes to celebrate test win in front of family

Kiwi Fern Kathy Keremete, who has family ties in Waima, near Kaikohe, oozes physical toughness and resilience - two essential qualities to make a successful female rugby league player.
When she is not representing her country, province or club in rugby league, the South Auckland-raised 26-year-old is being a mother and a fulltime executive assistant at Brightstar Corporation in Auckland.
"It is hard for women, a lot of who are mothers, who are passionate about the game and want to play - having to work fulltime and commit to training, take time off work to play and pay our own way to go to tournaments to represent our country ... women's rugby league is nowhere near as recognised as the men's game," she said.
Keremete was recalled into the Kiwi Ferns after making her debut at the 2008 World Cup in Australia, and is part of the New Zealand contingent lining up against England at Toll Stadium on Sunday.
The Kiwi Ferns squad to play two tests against England was selected at the nationals in July, when Keremete's provincial side Counties Manukau won the title.
The Papakura Rugby League Club second rower was one of nine players selected from the region, including five new caps.
Around half of the squad are debutantes, and it is hard to say how they will play as they have only had one training camp, Keremete said.
"However, we go back into camp [today] for the next 12 days, to prepare for Sunday's game in Whangarei and our second test at Waitakere Stadium on October 15."
England arrived late last week and had a warm-up game against a combined women's side comprising Counties Maori and Papakura Club players. The teams drew 22-all, and England did not look as sharp as Great Britain had at the 2008 World Cup, but the three-time World Cup winners, the Kiwi Ferns, would not be taking them lightly on Sunday, she said.
Keremete was looking forward to playing at Toll Stadium which she had heard plenty of good things about, in a match she hoped would promote women's rugby league.
It was also a prime opportunity for a family reunion. "My mum and dad, who are in Auckland, are coming up for the game, and my aunts and uncles and most of my family who are all still up north are coming down for it and will meet halfway which makes it a really awesome occasion," she said.
The Kiwi Ferns kick off at 4.30pm on Sunday, while the curtainraiser between the Northern Swords and Auckland Premiers, who will play their final round of the men's National Competition, is at 2.45pm.