Central Qld rugby league player Alenna Whipp signs with Mackay Cutters

Dual-code specialist Alenna Whipp is ready to channel her energies into one of her beloved rugby codes - and her cousin’s success is providing plenty of motivation.

Central Queensland rugby league player Alenna Whipp is looking to follow in the footsteps of her cousin and NRLW star Emma Manzelmann (inset).

Alenna Whipp is looking to follow in the famous footsteps of her cousin Emma Manzelmann as she prepares to take a major step forward on her own footy journey.

And she is on her way after being signed by the Mackay Cutters, the same team Manzelmann played with in the BMD Premiership before breaking into the NRLW ranks.

Emerald-born Whipp has relocated from Rockhampton to Mackay to chase her dream and cannot wait to get to work with coach Marco Peters and the Cutters’ squad when pre-season starts in March.

“I’m really excited,” the 20-year-old said.

Alenna Whipp has joined the Mackay Cutters’ squad for the 2025 BMD Premiership season.

“I’ve been looking for a BMD contract and as soon as it came, I was so happy.

“This was one of the goals I had set for myself.”

Whipp is hungry for a BMD Premiership debut this season but appreciates there will be some red-hot competition for starting spots, given the Cutters are the reigning champions.

She knows she has Maroons and Australian representative Manzelmann in her corner, and can draw on her experience and count on her unwavering support.

Emma Manzelmann in full flight for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRLW. Picture: Cowboys Media

Manzelmann serves as the perfect role model, even down to the number nine jersey they both wear.

“Emma is truly inspiring and really leads the way for me,” Whipp said.

“Growing up playing footy, she has always been someone I’ve looked up to, not only because she is my cousin but the way she holds her own in the game.

“We’re so close and she gives me an insight into what I’ve got to do to get better and is always happy to help.

“(Her success) shows that if you keep working, you can achieve your goals.”

A young Alenna Whipp playing with Emerald Brothers.

Whipp started her footy career with Emerald Brothers when she was four but it’s not just league where she has excelled.

She is a dual-code specialist and has also blazed a trail through the rugby union ranks, meticulously balancing her commitments - and scoring higher honours - in both.

She played club rugby league with Rockhampton Brothers, and union with Frenchville and the Brethren last season.

“I would be having to pack two bags,with my rugby gear in one and my league gear in the other and as soon as I finished one, I’d be racing to the other,” she said of her weekend routine.

“If the games were on at the same time, I would pick one one week and play the other the following week.

Alenna Whipp playing for the Queensland Orchids at the national women's rugby union championships.

“I wasn’t choosing one over the other, I evened it out and chopped and changed between the two.”

In the space of three weeks in the latter stages of 2024, Whipp played for the Queensland Country open women’s league team before representing the Queensland Orchids for the second consecutive year at the national union championships.

She believes playing league and union has helped develop different aspects in both of her games.

“I’ve been playing both since I was four so it’s not a really hard thing for me to do,” she said.

Alenna Whipp pushed through a nasty head wound, helping Queensland Country beat their City rivals in last September's rugby league showdown.

“A lot of skills crossover and come in handy in both, and union has really helped my league kicking game.

“In union I’m a 10 and in league I’m a nine; they’re two different roles but they kind of work hand-in-hand.”

Whipp loves both codes but is comfortable with her decision to channel her energy into league.

“To play NRLW is the ultimate, and I’m willing to give anything a crack to make that happen,” she said.