One of eight founding university-based franchises set to kickoff the inaugural National University Sevens Series, the Tasmanians and first-round hosts are not looking to claim underdog status in the domain of the traditional Aussie Rules state.

“I think because we’re in Tassie, we’re still a bit of an unknown,” Ryan said.

“No one really knows just what to expect from us. 

“We had trials in Adelaide two weeks ago and we didn’t lose a game.

“That kind of set our minds of where we can go in the comp. 

“Who knows, but we’re going out to expect to win all of our games.

“We know that we can do – we have the ability, the skills and the preparation to win every game. 

“It just depends on what happens on the day.”

Like Wallabies’ rising star Adam Coleman, Ryan was a rare commodity in Tasmania.

Always a rugby union tragic, and after moving to Canberra for university and working on staff for the ACT Brumbies, the Hobart-raised outside back took to playing the game for the first time.

“My dad played and we watched as kids,” she said.

“So we were kind of the Tasmanian rugby community for years. 

“That’s where it all started, but there was no girls’ rugby when I was growing up. 

“I was at first a bit intimidated by the contact, but I realised it was no big deal.”