CQ Capras: Coaches named for 2023 season

After one of their most successful seasons on record, the Capras have named their coaches for next year. We talk to one of the new members in the line-up here.

The CQ Capras' coaches for season 2023 have been announced.

Walson Carlos is looking forward to his next coaching opportunity which will see him at the helm of the CQ Capras’ under-19 women.

The experienced coach will get to cast an eye over the prospective talent at the first of the squad’s trials on Saturday at Rugby Park.

More than 40 players have put their names forward to be playing in the QRL’s Harvey Norman Under-19 statewide competition in 2023.

The Capras have finalised their coaching line-up for next year, which sees the return of Lionel Harbin as head coach and Amanda Ohl as the women’s coach, both of whom were awarded by the QRL for their efforts in 2022.

Carlos said he was excited for his chance to help develop the emerging female football talent in Central Queensland.

“There are some good girls coming through that played Queensland representative football, either under-17 or schoolgirls, and obviously Lilly Yarrow played for Australia (schoolgirls),” he said.

Walson Carlos will coach the CQ Capras' under-19 women in season 2023.

“I’ve been around for a while now so hopefully I can help them get a little bit better and go on to play in the BMD Premiership or possibly the NRLW.

“The popularity of girls rugby league is growing and obviously we’ve got some good role models in Emma Paki and Tamika Upton.

“I guess my main message would be if you want something, you need to chase after it.

“The pathways are there now… so if you work hard enough and you are good enough you can make it from anywhere in Central Queensland.”

The CQ Capras’ coaching line-up for 2023

Under-16 boys (Cyril Connell Challenge): Duane Carpenter - returning

Under-18 boys (Mal Meninga Cup): RJ Stewart - returning

Under-19 women (Harvey Norman U19s): Walson Carlos - new coach

Under-21 men (Hastings Deering Colts): Kane Hardy - returning

Senior women (BMD Premiership): Amanda Ohl - returning

Senior men (Hostplus Cup): Lionel Harbin - returning