The former Wallaroo inspiring a regional rugby revival in Mackay

A former Test rugby player, a Fijian teenage sensation and a talented club junior have led Slade Point to the Mackay Rugby Union grand final. Read why the regional women’s competition is going from strength to strength.

Mackay Rugby Union has held a very successful 2024 women’s competition in a far more structured format than previous years. Picture: Supplied.

It may not be the biggest or most glamorous competition in Australia, but Mackay Rugby Union’s senior women’s grade has had a very promising 2024 season thanks to a number of influential figures including a former international player.

Slade Point coach Kelvin Clulee has seen his side through to a grand final berth thanks to a top-placed finish in a three-team competition, but said it was several key on-field contributors who had been critical to their success.

“We’re blessed to have former Wallaroo and Level 4 coach in Chloe Butler. She probably thought she was past her playing days but she has fit right in and even her leadership on the field has helped immensely,” Clulee said.

“Anaseini Vulavou - our ‘Fijian Flier’ - has been incredible, she was player of the season and our top tryscorer.

“15 or 16 tries for the year is an extraordinary feat, and she’s only young having played in under-18s representative teams, she’s got a big future in front of her in rugby.

Anaseini Vulavou of Slade Point has enjoyed a hugely productive 2024 season, winning both player of the season and recording the most tries in the competition. Picture: Contributed.

“Anna Crossan is another one who has been a big find for us, she came through our junior system and has just played out of her skin.

“On both attack and defence she’s improved tremendously. She found a sidestep that we never knew she had.

Clulee said the competition owed its progression through this season to a great deal of tireless work.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with how it’s gone, and there’s been a lot of effort and hard work that’s gone in from all the clubs involved,” Clulee said.

“Even just down to ensuring players were fielded each week, the team that I coach had good numbers to start with but injuries meant we had to do a lot of work recruiting.

“Yet while all that was going on, the quality of the games on the field was getting better and better, especially as the players new to the sport started to figure out how it works.

“The experience and understanding among the players has grown, and we really are starting to uncover some real talent.”

Focusing in on his team in particular, Clulee said the side has set a high standard in only its first season in action.

“It’s been a close competition, and it came down to the last game to see who was going to be the minor premiers, and we took it out by one try,” Clulee said.

“That’s an indicator of how close the teams are. We’re thrilled and delighted with the end product but also just the way the girls have worked together as a team, they’ve just jelled really well.

“The culture we’ve got with welcoming new players and being open to new ideas. We’re hoping to carry that mentality through to the grand final and hopefully come away with a premiership.”