Hard, crunching, physical play.

That’s why Vancouver’s Katie Grudzinski put her hand for the first-ever Canada Rugby League women’s national squad earlier this summer.

Last week, she was named to the extended squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby League World Cup.

Called the Ravens, 32 women have been named as possibilities for the final squad, which will head to Australia for the tournament which begins in mid-November.

“I watched a few guys play league in the last couple years, it sparked my interest, it encompasses my favourite parts of union: big explosive runs and straight up tackles,” Grudzinski said, who’s played rugby union for Burnaby Lake’s high-flying women’s team for many years.

“With all of our players transitioning from Rugby Union, I’ve been extremely impressed with not only the talent and athleticism on show during the recent trial games, but also eagerness to learn the game across the board,” head coach Mike Castle said.

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There are a number of familiar names in the squad from fans of the national women’s rugby union team, like Gillian Boag, Andrea Burk, Mandy Marchak and Stevi Schnoor.

“The best thing about rugby in both codes, union and league, is it’s a game for everybody and every body,” she added.

Canada Rugby League extended squad:

Hayley Drewniak (Alberta)

Paige Ferries (Alberta)

Janai Haupapa (Alberta)

Michelle Helmeczi (Alberta)

Brittany Jones (Alberta)

Kelcey Leavitt (Alberta)

Jade Menin (Alberta)

Krisrty Sargent (Alberta)

Liz Steele (Alberta)

Cheryl Armitage (Bradford Bulls – UK)

Maira Acevedo (British Columbia)

Gillian Boag (British Columbia)

Andrea Burk (British Columbia)

Christina Burnham (British Columbia)

Katie Grudzinski (British Columbia)

Lousia Hadley (British Columbia)

Natalie King (British Columbia)

Mandy Marchak (British Columbia)

Aliyah Rodomoninski (British Columbia)

Stevi Schnoor (British Columbia)

Natasha Smith (British Columbia)

Sya Trafford (British Columbia)

Barbara Waddell (Forrestville Ferrets – Aus)

Nina Bui (Ontario)

Mackanie Fane (Ontario)

Fedelia Omaghan (Ontario)

Megan Pakulis (Ontario)

Sara Svoboda (Ontario)

Natalie Tam (Ontario)

Tiera Thomas-Reynolds (Ontario)

Petra Woods (Ontario)

Kathleen Keller (Quebec)