Honey Hireme-Smiler will be an ambassador for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Supplied
Honey Hireme-Smiler will be an ambassador for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Supplied
Kiwi Ferns legend Honey Hireme-Smiler is already deep in preparations for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England
Local fans shouldn't get too excited – no, the 39-year-old is not making a surprise comeback – but she will play a prominent role as one of the tournament's international ambassadors.
"It's a real privilege," Hireme-Smiler told the Herald. "I feel like I owe a great deal to the game and this is a small way I can give back. Being involved in four World Cups and now seeing the plans for this one, it's really exciting.
"It puts the women's game on a global platform and having all three tournaments [men's, women's, wheelchair] run together is so unique. And the women are being paid equal to the men's [match fees] which is a first."
Hireme-Smiler met tournament CEO Jon Dutton at the draw at Buckingham Palace in January 2020 and he got in touch soon after her retirement last November.
"He sent me an email, asking if I would like to be one of the ambassadors," recalled Hireme-Smiler. "I was really keen to be involved, especially as I am also very passionate about disability sport."
Staged across 21 venues in England, the 2021 edition that will run from October 23 to November 27 should be the biggest yet, with all games broadcast live on the BBC.
It's another honour for Hireme-Smiler, whose international career stretched across 18 seasons. She made her Kiwi Ferns debut in 2002 but seemed to hit a new peak in her 30s, with outstanding displays at the 2013 and 2017 World Cups.
Honey Hireme-Smiler says it's a privilege to be an ambassador for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Supplied
Hireme-Smiler was a standout performer in the inaugural season of the NRLW in 2018, while her leadership of the Kiwi Ferns in their triumphant World Nines campaign in 2019 will be long remembered.
Her decision to retire wasn't easy – she had long planned for a Cup swansong – but constant injuries left few alternatives.
"I got to choose my time and had already started to build a career," said Hireme-Smiler who works for the Halberg Foundation and is also part of the Sky Sport commentary team. "Not a lot of players have that opportunity."
After two decades in elite sport, Hireme-Smiler, who was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020, has enjoyed the transition, not missing the early starts, the strict focus on nutrition and the demanding training sessions.
"It's been awesome," said Hireme-Smiler. "It was a bit of a relief, though I feel like I am doing more now than before. But I am really enjoying the quality time with my family."
Her competitive instincts haven't dulled. Later this month she'll take part in the Masters Athletics Nationals in Inglewood, after heading along to a track meet last year "for a bit of fun".
"I'm doing throwing events and sprints – 100m, 200m and 60m," said Hireme-Smiler, declaring the 60m event her favourite.
In March she'll travel to Christchurch to represent Waikato in the Touch Nationals over-35s grade, and she is also coaching the Hamilton based members of the wider Kiwi Ferns squad.
"I've let go of one thing and picked up another five," laughed Hireme-Smiler. "But I am really glad I still get to be involved. At the moment there's a little bit of 'FOMO', with mates all posting things about pre-season - but not really.
"I don't have run 'Bronco' tests anymore, I don't have to get up at five in the morning to go to the gym, I don't have to worry about when I eat. Life's good."
