The chance to celebrate their Italian heritage and trade talents with the best touch players in the world was an opportunity Mel Bonetti and Julia Puntoriero weren’t going to miss.
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The Griffith pair will represent the Italy mixed open side at the Touch World Cup in Coffs Harbour this week.
For 35-year-old Bonetti, playing for Italy is something she has already seen her husband – former NRL player Simon – achieve.
“Simon played for Italy (in rugby league) and when this opportunity came up he really encouraged me to play,” Bonetti said.
“It’s a week away on my own, but he’s behind me 100 per cent and my friends are as well.
“I’ve got a couple of friends who’ll be coming up to watch, so everyone is really supporting me and excited for me that I’m going.”
The World Cup will feature teams from 25 countries, but Australia and New Zealand are the favourites in all divisions.
Italy has been seeded 12th in the open mixed and shares pool A with Australia, Japan and United Arab Emirates.
Bonetti said it would be fascinating to see the style of touch each country plays.
“We’ve got countries from all over the world, but I’m not really sure if all the players are from those countries or, like ourselves, Australia based,” she said.
“But it’ll be interesting to see the different levels of touch and how people play from the different countries.”
Puntoriero, 34, expects Italy to prove more than competitive but knows her legs and lungs will be tested every time she runs on the field.
“It’ll be a higher standard than anything I’ve played at before, but it’ll be awesome,” Puntoriero said.
“Our coach thinks we’ll finish fourth.
“He played for Australia in 2011. It’ll just come down to how everyone else does.
“We’ve got Australia in our pool, so that’s going to throw us a bit.”
But Puntoriero isn’t easily fazed.
The mother of three gave birth to her youngest child only 10 months ago and has been a regular presence at early morning boot camps to make sure she is ready for the World Cup.
“It was good incentive to get fit,” Puntoriero said.
“It’s a big commitment and leaving my kids is going to be huge.
“But a World Cup is a big deal. It’s lucky that I can do it.”
Italy’s first game is against Wales today.
Also heading to the World Cup from Griffith are Frank Scarfone, who is assistant coach of the Italy over 50 men’s team, and referee Nick Altin.