The stunning growth of the women’s contact format has seen the forward stepping up her training as she looks to match the physicality of the New Zealand women’s roster.

“My training schedule has definitely gotten harder,” Kezie says off her off-season sessions. “I had to train extra harder to keep my position in the squad.”

There were valuable lessons learnt in last year’s Nines where the Ferns defeated Australia soundly.

Apps said she hasn’t exactly got the fend of GI or the Hayne Plane’s quick stepping, but would focus on some key skills to get back at the NZ squad.

“I think it comes down to holding possession, moving the ball around to make them work and looking for the quick play-the-balls,” Apps said.

“Do that, get them on the back foot and we will win.”

The Nines includes a chance to watch some of the men’s games, as well as mingling with the NRL stars off the paddock.

Apps, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of the women’s league says she still gets a little star struck around some of her favourite players.

“It was crazy last year getting to mingle with them in the players’ area, just casually walking past some of the big names of the sport,” she said with a laugh.

There isn’t much time to talk though with a “pretty full on” weekend of games, so Apps has been enjoying some time at home with her fiance, friends and family.

The Jillaroos have undergone a bit of a shake up, but Apps said the side boasts a good mix of experienced heads and exuberant young talent.

The energy in camp is palpable and the Bega player can’t wait to get on the field. In just her second year with the side, Apps said she felt a bit of an “oldie in the group”.

“Even though it’s only my second year, I know everything that goes in camp it’s not as daunting anymore. We all get on so well and everyone make the new girls feel comfortable, it's great.”

Carrying a back injury last year meant a troublesome debut in the Nines, but an intense training schedule has the gun forward primed and ready for the contest.

Group 16 has a good run with the Auckland Nines. Last year, three former Far South Coast players made their national debut at the competition, with Euan Aitken, Adam Elliott and Tom Hughes all getting a shot at the top level. 

Aitken has already been named again for this year’s, while the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs are yet to announce their line-ups.