U19 Origin: Meet the Mackay Cutters girls lining up for Queensland
Discover the remarkable stories behind the three Mackay Cutters players lining up for Queensland’s U19 State of Origin team on Thursday night.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Libby Surha always dreamt of being an athlete, she just didn’t realise it would be on the rugby field.
“I didn’t even know I was going to be a rugby league player,” Surha said.
“I started hockey when I was about eight years old, I played hockey my whole life.”
She was no novice either, featuring in numerous Queensland underage teams, for both indoor and outdoor hockey.
As recently as December, she was selected to represent her state in under-21 women’s indoor hockey.
Yet on Thursday night, it’ll be with Steeden in hand - not hockey stick - that she makes her presence felt, lining up for Queensland’s under-19 State of Origin team.
Surha, understandably “was over the moon” when she found out about her selection.
“I just literally wanted to scream, I was that excited,” she said.
And she’ll be joined by some familiar faces, with fellow Mackay Cutters Lily Peacock and Emily Bella also set to run out in Maroon.
On the men’s side, the Cutters’ Kai Simon will feature for Queensland as 19th man.
For Surha, the opportunity comes off the back of a breakout year.
In September, she took to Suncorp Stadium to line up for Australia’s PM’s XIII, before going to establish herself at BMD Premiership level this season, even being crowned Mackay Cutters rookie of the season.
“(The BMD Premiership) was definitely a huge step up - I’d never played that level of women’s football,” Surha said.
“So coming from under 19s, which was the highest level that I’d played, to going straight into women’s, that was a huge change.
“My skill level improved by about 70 per cent, I just learnt so much from all the girls.”
Surha’s also contracted with the North Queensland Cowboys as a development player, as is Lily Peacock.
Cutters women’s under-19 coach Matt Sanders has high hopes for the pair.
“I think within a year or two they’ll definitely be in Cowboys colours,” Sanders said.
Peacock’s still only 17 years of age, and what’s arguably even more remarkable is that she’s making her name as a forward.
She made her BMD Premiership debut off the bench in round six, playing 103 minutes across three games, with 51 of those coming in a narrow semi-final loss to Burleigh.
“She’s a really aggressive player with and without the ball,” Sanders said.
“She’s quite young to make her (BMD Premiership) debut, especially in the forwards, it’s quite a big achievement there and I’m sure she’s going to take the challenge on Thursday night, physically anyway she won’t die wondering.”
Emily Bella also has an abundance of BMD Premiership experience given her youthfulness.
She lined up for the North Queensland Gold Stars last season, scoring a hat-trick in round seven and ending the season a premiership player.
And come Thursday night, she’ll be following in the footsteps of her uncle Martin Bella, a prop who played 21 Origin matches for Queensland over eight years, as well as nine tests for Australia.
“She’s just a competitor, a winner, she’s had a really good year… we’re really looking forward to seeing her in (Origin),” Sanders said.
Regardless of Thursday night’s result, it will be a proud one for the Cutters, who can hang their hat on the development of three exceptional talents.
Sanders is well aware of this.
“All three of these girls have come right the way through our academy programs since 14s and 16s really,” he said.
“So to see them in the 19s, BMD Premiership, and now State of Origin space is really cool and a proud moment for the club.
“A lot of time and effort’s gone in by the girls, and from the club, so it’s cool to see them get a bit of recognition for their efforts.”
And as for Libby Surha, she’s probably pretty happy she picked rugby league.
Revealed: 120+ sports stars of the southeast
The new year looms, and athletes have already begun their prep for season 2025. From the track to the pool and everywhere in between, these are the 120+ southeast Queensland young guns you must watch and why. Full list:
VOTE NOW: The moments that defined sport in North Qld
We’ve picked the moments that set the trends, now it’s time to have your say. Which local sporting event in regional North Queensland is your favourite?