Local sport players Tamika Fisher and Natasha Assan are forces to be reckoned with as they gear up for the Rugby League Affilliated State Championships in Sydney this weekend.
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Recently selected to represent the Territory as part of the NT Titans, the players will be taking on Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.
The path to selections was not an easy one living 300km away, but their commitment has shone through, landing them both coveted spots on the team.
With only one year of experience on the field they are already surpassing hundreds of players aiming for the national team.
"We both spend every weekend driving up to Darwin for the Titan's two hour training session on Sundays," 24-year-old Fisher said.
"We definitely love it, and I couldn't be happier that I've been selected to be a part of the team, but it has been a tough couple of months."
Training has been grueling for the up-and-coming players who get together with Katherine trainer Anthony Jeans twice a week on top of regular sessions with the team in Darwin.
"It is usually pretty difficult to be competitive when you live remotely and you don't have access to regular training and coaching," he said.
"Even though these girls have missed out on regular competitions, they have managed to land a spot on the team.
"To get to where they are takes a lot of work and dedication and I am really proud."
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If all goes well at the championship, the players could be in with a chance to be selected for the Combined Affiliated States representative side, which is one step closer to playing for Australia.
For Natasha Assan, a 31-year-old childcare worker during the day, nerves are setting in.
"I am really proud to be representing my town here and the NT as a whole," she said.
"Compared to some of the players competing, I don't have as much experience.
"We have a really good supportive team who always help us out on the field.
"We work well as a team and we have a good range of talent. I think we have a good chance this weekend."
NT Titans manager and trainer Alysia Bader said she has seen big improvements since the players joined the team.
"I have trained along side them both and their dedication is just outstanding, especially as they have to travel to Darwin every weekend. It really is a big commitment," she said.
"I am hoping the experience at a competition at this level will help the girls set goals for the future, and really help them along in becoming better players.
"Tamika is a run on forward, a really important position, and she really has the potential to be picked for the CAS team."
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