Hull FC Women’s player Nat Romano has reflected on being named co-captain of the side for the 2025 Women’s Championship campaign.
Speaking on International Women’s Day 2025, Romano expressed her pride at earning the role alongside fellow long-time servant of the club Jade Key.
The Women’s side will kick off their campaign later this month after winning promotion to the second tier at the end of the 2024 season with a League One Grand Final victory.
“It’s very, very special for me. Me and Jade both started out our careers at the same amateur club and she’s been one of my friends for 25 years now.
“Me and Jade are sort of on the same wavelength and I believe what we can bring together will be very very special.
“My goal for the team is just competing healthily in the league. We don’t need to be aiming for that top flight yet, we just need to be competing and showing what rugby we can play.
“Most of all, I want everyone to enjoy it, because if we don’t enjoy it, we aren’t going to get those results and that’s what we need to aim for.”
The Black & Whites will be led by a new head coach in the form of Pete Grayburn this season, with Romano reflecting on the impact he has had since his arrival.
“It’s great to have Pete down. Obviously moving into the Championship, Pete’s experience, Pete’s knowledge, everything Pete can bring as a coach, I think it’s exactly what we need in the league we are going into.
“The young players that are stepping up bring a lot to the team and they might not think they do but they do in terms of bringing us out of our shell, that softer nature. I’m really excited for the season with the new girls and Pete and let’s see what we can do.”
Looking ahead to their opening fixture of the season against Featherstone in a fortnight’s time, she continued: “Every week we go into training at full intensity. Pete’s got us working hard, communicating well and helping each other. We’ve just got to stick together as a team and do what we know we can do.
“We’ve still got a few more weeks left to prepare and I think by that point, we will be ready for whatever gets thrown our way.”
Romano also discussed the importance of International Women’s Day to her, and to Women’s sport in general.
“It’s a great day to celebrate the sport for women, it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves. It’s not been around for a long time but it’s finally growing where it needs to grow, and it’s turning into something beautiful as it already is.
“t’s really nice that the club as a whole gets behind International Women’s Day. It’s great for us women that we are being recognised because ultimately that’s what we want.”
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