CQ Capras best U17, U19 players in Round 1 fixtures against Townsville

The Capras under-17 girls got the points while the club’s three other teams were all edged by the same margin in their season openers at the weekend. See what the coaches had to say, the players who impressed and every one of the teams’ point scorers in our full wrap.

The top performers for the CQ Capras under-17 and under-19 teams in Round 1 against the Townsville Blackhawks.

Winger Ashlynn Self starred as the under-17 girls flew the flag for the CQ Capras in the opening round of the junior statewide rugby league competitions.

The club’s four underage teams took on the Townsville Blackhawks at Yeppoon’s Webb Park on Saturday.

The games were to be played in Townsville but torrential rain up north forced a venue change.

See photos from Saturday’s games here

The Capras under-17 girls got home 16-10, with Self bagging two of her team’s four tries in a gallant come-from-behind victory.

The Capras three other teams - the under-19 girls and under-17 and under-19 boys - were each beaten by a margin of just two points as the crowd was treated to some quality, fast-flowing footy.

Winger Ashlynn Self muscles up in defence.

Victorious under-17 girls coach Nikki Carpenter said the win exemplified her players’ perseverance and persistence.

“It was all about the girls just not giving up and really showing up in defence,” she said.

“Townsville definitely brought it so I’m happy to get the win at the end of the day.

“It was a good test for the girls. I had to hold my breath a few times but it’s really exciting to start the season that way.”

Carpenter was full of praise for Self, who not only showcased her finishing ability but also defensive prowess on the right edge.

Prop Rachel Oakley started her 2025 season in impressive fashion with a barnstorming performance, while five-eighth Maddie Johnson and lock Maycee Brown were instrumental in the victory.

Under-17 boys

Coach Todd Hansen was impressed with his team’s defensive effort but said completion rate would be a focus moving forward.

“We were really good defensively but our ball control, our turnover wasn’t really up to standard,” he said.

Leo Fanuatanu shuts down a Townsville Blackhawks attacking raid.

“Overall, the team was pretty solid and I was reasonably happy but I think we can be a lot better than we were.”

Hansen said second rower Jake Armstrong and centre Leo Fanuatanu were really strong, as was skipper Lachlan Anderson.

Parker Hunt also made a strong impression off the bench.

Under-19 girls

Coach Cedric Auda said his team would look to focus their attention around execution in attacking heading into their Round 2 clash.

In a recurring theme, he was happy with their defensive effort against the Blackhawks.

“The girls showed a lot of resilience,” he said.

CQ Capras under-19 fullback Manaia Faiumu-Malone races away for a try against the Townsville Blackhawks.

“There is room for improvement, obviously, but I think that opening game will have settled the girls’ nerves and they’ll be ready to kick on from here.”

Auda said winger Lyndell Malone stood tall, making plenty of tough carries.

Fullback Manaia Faiumu Malone, halfback Caydence Fouracre and second rower Georgia Wright also showed plenty of class.

Under-19 boys

Coach Pete Rogers said it was a tough loss.

“We fell just short,” he said.

“While we were pretty strong defensively, we struggled to hold the ball and complete our sets.

“I was really happy with how we defended - with aggression and good intent.

CQ Capras under-19 forward Josh Nilon charges into Townsville's defensive line.

“We’ve just got to offer more with the footy so we can score more points.”

Rogers said Josh Nilon was the team’s best, getting through a mountain of work in the middle and on his switch to the second row.

Centre Anasta Tamwoy had a big game, as did the ever-reliable Jake Oberhardt and second rower Jai Ireland.

Point scorers

Under-17 girls: Capras 16 (tries Ashlynn Self 2, Rachel Oakley, Charlotte McLean) d Blackhawks 10.

Under-17 boys: Blackhawks 8 d Capras 6 (try Kaiden Pope-Warcon, conversion Lachlan Anderson).

Under-19 girls: Blackhawks 12 d Capras 10 (tries Lyndell Malone, Manaia Faiumu-Malone; conversion Caydence Fouracre).

Under-19 boys: Blackhawks 14 d Capras 12 (tries Curtis Seierup, Cruz Beazley; conversions Isaac Walker 2).