Souths Logan U17 girls will again be a premiership threat
Harvey Norman junior league rep countdown: Souths Logan’s U17 depth flexed, bumper 30 girl squad revealed here.
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Souths Logan’s had 72 girls trial for just 30 top squad placings, highlighting the stunning growth of female rugby league and the popularity of the club’s women’s program at the club.
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Among the throng of players who attended off-season training were elite footballers like half Lili Lewis, middle forward Sienna Trew, outside back Janique Mili, centre Bella Alo, forward Mamele Misa and hooker Okalani Compton who will all be leaders this season.
Asked why rugby league was so appealing to young females, Souths Logan coach Matt Fitzgerald said the NRLW’s profile and the prospect of making a professional career out of the sport were two reasons.
“I just think the girls are attracted to the prospect of being professional athletes and rugby league is giving that opportunity as there will soon be 12 NRLW teams,’’ Fitzgerald said. “There is opportunity for girls to go either north or south which is a viable option for many families.’’
Souths Logan has an enviable catchment, stretching from the city down to the Waterford West club in Logan City, a club which has been at the cutting edge of junior female rugby league for 10 years.
While Souths Logan suffered a pre-season blow when representative ace Star Arthur-Clarke was invited to remain in Sydney to continue playing in the Sydney Roosters system, the Magpies still have a strong squad.
There were 10 Brisbane Broncos-signed female academy players while an 11th player,
Afeena Faamafu, is also in the Roosters system.
Team leaders
Lili Lewis
Lili Lewis is arguably the best player in the competition.
A halfback from Marsden SHS, the Queensland schoolgirl representative runs a side expertly and has vision and a terrific short kicking game.
Okalani Compton
Passing the ball to Lewis will be dummy half Compton.
From Keebra Park SHS, Compton is a tremendous defender who is courageous in the ruck.
But she also has a strong pass from the ground and an effective running game. Souths Logan would not swap her for any other No.9.
NRL FAN SPECIAL: QLD SCHOOLBOYS AT YOUR CLUB
Bella Alo
Alo was a part of the team’s leadership group last season and, one season on, will be more mature and streetwise in 2025.
A centre from Stretton State College, Alo’s work ethic during the off-season was outstanding and she will give the side strike on the edge. Last season she represented the Queensland 15-16 years schoolgirls.
Afeena Faamafu
Another centre leading the way will be Afeena who is a young U17. A part of the Sydney Roosters junior reps training during the off-season, the gifted Afeena is another local product from the Waterford West club and has flowed into the Magpies system with ease.
Janique Mili
Souths Logan’s outside back division includes this pocket rocket. A track and field athlete, Mili has speed and strength and forms an uncanny understanding with her Marsden SHS school mate, Lili Lewis.
Sienna Trew
Souths Logan have plenty of strike and skill, but the bricks and mortar forward will be laid by Trew.
Trew grew up in the backyard playing against Brisbane Broncos NRL development player Bailey and playing league has become as natural as mother’s milk.
She is a hard worker who knows how to get the job done in the middle.
Mamele Misa
Another middle forward, Misa is match hardened from her experience playing in this competition last season when she was an under age player.
The sister of Broncos contracted Amanii who is an NRLW prospect.
Mamele Misa is joined in the Souths Logan squad by her younger sister, Siannah Misa.
Wildcard watch
Pick a player, any player, and you could place their name here.
But halfback Marmie Nati and winger Gloria Tuialalago Isarelu were two exciting under-age players coming through the ranks. Nati will be all eyes and ears watching and listening carefully to the club’s No.1 half, Lili Lewis.
You may not see her start, but if Jada Waerea gets a chance she could impress. Originally from Wynnum, the kid has natural footy flair as an outside back and adds depth to the squad.
Souths Logan squad: Afeena Faamafu, Lauryn Martin, Lili Lewis, Alessana Betham, Elisa Asaomua, Elizabeth Mikaio, Lashae Tonga, Maddie Neal, Tayla Chong-Lee, Peytton Wenthold, Bella Foai, Tayla Fiu, Eden Tutakangahua, Cali Paraone, Shelby Bochow, Sienna Trew, Janique Mili, Okalani Compton, Navaeh Christie, Biarnka, Sianah Misa, Mamele Misa, Bella Alo, Reitumanava Kirimonana, Maleea Te Kotahi, Gloria Tuialalago Isarelu, Jada Waerea, London Anae, Marmie Nati, Mele Leomolotu Fifita.
Round 1
Febuary 15
Tweed v Redcliffe
Tigers v Devils
Blackhawks v Capras
Falcons v Clydesdales
Cutters v Pride
Wynnum Manly v Magpies
Jets v Bulls
Originally published as Souths Logan U17 girls will again be a premiership threat
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