Capras debut for schoolgirls Alexis Bukowski, Josie Wogand, Keeley Marsden
A talented teenage trio will be among eight new faces in the Capras women’s line-up for this weekend’s season opener. Coach Julyess Jarvis talks about his goals for the season.
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Three scintillating schoolgirls will graduate to Queensland’s premier women’s rugby league ranks this weekend.
Alexis Bukowski, Keeley Marsden and Josie Wogand will be among eight debutants in the CQ Capras’ line-up for Round 1 of the BMD Premiership on Saturday.
The other new faces are Nhi’Arla Faiumu-Malone, Tasmyn Boody, Jeune-Kelly Biddle, Abigail Winni and Stevie-Lee Dixson.
The Capras will host competition newcomers, the Ipswich Jets, at 2pm at Rockhampton’s Rugby Park.
The BMD has this year been expanded to 12 teams and will run over 11 weeks, with the top six teams then contesting the finals series.
Capras’ coach Julyess Jarvis naturally wants his team there at the pointy end of the season but is focused on player development and connection.
“We’re a new team and the players are still getting to know each other and working on combinations,” he said.
“We want to be building every round and implementing everything we’re working on to play the style of footy we want to play.”
The Capras’ squad includes experienced campaigners such as skipper Gemma Brennan and influential forward Sharni Upton, as well as some of the club’s top-flight juniors in Bukowski, Wogand and Marsden.
“Josie and Alexis had big seasons with our 17s and Keeley also played really well in the 19s,” Jarvis said.
“They are keen to learn and grow, so hopefully they bring some good energy and put their best foot forward.”
Bukowski and Wogand are members of The Cathedral College open girls team which is flying high in the NRL Schoolgirls Cup, while Marsden has been plying her trade with Yeppoon State High in the Rockhampton Secondary Schools Rugby League competition.
Jarvis said he was keen to see what Boody would bring at centre after she impressed in the team’s pre-season trial against the Mackay Cutters.
Another player set for a big season is halfback Lydia Durkin, who has trained the house down during pre-season.
Jarvis said the Capras would have to be “on defensively” against the Jets, who boast a big, powerful forward pack.
“I want them to bring intensity and line speed in our defence,” he said.
“We’ve got a smaller forward pack but I’m hoping we can outlast some of the bigger packs with our fitness and get teams at the back end of games.”
Jarvis said he was excited for the team and in particular the debutants to play the season opener in front of a home crowd.
“It’s great for them to impress in front of family and friends,” he said.
“The big message to the players from me will be to go out and enjoy the moment and the opportunity to wear the Capras jersey.
“I’m trying to instill that it’s a privilege to wear that jumper.”
Capras Round 1 team
Tahnee-Lea Holt, Nhi’arla Faiumu-Malone, Tasmyn Boody, Alexis Bukowski, Krystal Sulter, Jeune-Kelly Biddle, Lydia Durkin, Sharni Upton, Jessica Olsson, Gemma Brennan, Keeley Marsden, Mattice McLeod, Tylah Phillips, Josie Wogand, Ihndara McLeod, Abigail Winni, Stevie-Lee Dixson, Taila Miller.
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