The Wallaroos player buoyed by her dad's legacy
Rather than training on the pitch, practice with her dad, David Codey, involves sitting on the couch and watching sports.
David is a one-time Wallabies captain, star of the 1984 Grand Slam tour of Europe and part of the Australian 1987 World Cup squad as well as a former QRU and Rugby Australia president.
Annabelle has only watched snippets of her father's relentless and unforgiving style of play as a loose forward.
But as she works toward for a World Cup debut in England this month, 28-year-old lock Codey's hoping the endless hours on the couch with her dad, critiquing other rugby players, can help her make a mark.
"Dad and I always joke, he's had his time. It's my time," Codey told AAP.
"Throughout my childhood, I was either playing sport or watching sport, and that's exactly what our relationship is like now.
"When I go home and see mum and dad, it'll annoy mum, but we'll just be glued to the TV watching some form of sport.
"He gives me tips and tricks here and there. He's my harshest critic, but my biggest supporter."
Annabelle also takes inspiration from her dad's ability to balance work and rugby.
David missed the 1986 New Zealand tour due to work commitments.
Annabelle juggles being an athlete with her full-time HR role.
"I feel like I don't mind being similar because he understands what it's like to balance rugby," she said.
"He tends to call me closer to tournaments to give his fatherly advice.
"He really is just taking it all in, especially because it's been quite some time since I've been a part of the squad. He's just relishing every moment."
Annabelle fought to earn World Cup squad selection after debuting for the Wallaroos in 2022 before missing selection for two years and being overlooked for the Pacific Four series in May.
Taking a leap of faith and moving from Brisbane to Sydney to play for the NSW Waratahs was a defining moment, she said.
"I just didn't want to reflect on myself as an athlete. I wanted to play a bit of the blame game," she said.
"There were definitely moments where I wanted to throw in the towel, but ultimately I'm just really proud that I was resilient."
The Wallaroos will play their first group match against Samoa on August 23.
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