Errors, ill-discipline cost Capras women in their Round 5 clash against the Norths Devils

Hard-working forward Mariah Denman suffered a shoulder injury on Saturday. It’s a cruel blow for the NRLW star who has been one of the Capras most consistent players. See who else has starred so far this season.

The CQ Capras women have won one game from five so far in the 2024 BMD Premiership. Photo: Zain Mohammed

The CQ Capras women and coaching staff have their fingers crossed for their injured star player Mariah Denman.

The workaholic forward is set to have scans after she “popped her shoulder” in the team’s Round 5 loss to the Norths Devils in Brisbane on Saturday.

Coach Julyess Jarvis said Denman was running back, chasing down a Devils’ grubber kick, when she fell awkwardly and had to leave the field just seven minutes into the game.

Her absence put a huge dent in the Capras’ chances of recording back-to-back wins in the BMD Premiership, and they were ultimately beaten 18-4.

Jarvis said Denman was a “big loss”.

“Mariah’s been huge for us and she’s been playing so many minutes each round,” he said.

CQ Capras workhorse Mariah Denman charges forward. Photo: Zain Mohammed

“Her shoulder did go back in on the day which is a positive sign, but we’ll have to wait until she gets the scans done to see the extent of the injury and what the turnaround time will be.

“We’ve all got our fingers crossed because she’s got a big season ahead with the Broncos as well so hopefully it’s not too bad.”

Skipper Gemma Brennan showed plenty of courage, playing out the game with a suspected broken hand.

The gritty front rower, as she has all season, produced her trademark performance, putting in plenty of barnstorming runs and making countless tackles.

Jarvis also praised the effort of Reeghyn Beardmore, who played the full 70 minutes in the middle.

Reeghyn Beardmore played the whole game at hooker for the Capras on Saturday. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The coach said it was errors and ill-discipline which cost the Capras in the second half.

“It’s been a recurring theme for the year; we’ve been talking a lot defending our mistakes if we make errors or give away penalties,” he said.

“Our efforts defensively in the first half were good and we kicked and chased well at times.

“We’re such a small team compared to everybody else so staying in the game defensively the way we have is something we have been happy with all year.

“We’ve got Brisbane Tigers on Sunday and they’re another team with big forwards so we’ll be trying to compete with our kick-chase and getting off the line fast.

“That’s what I’m asking of the girls this week - to give me energy in defence and hopefully we can score some points.”

Mariah Denman. Photo: Zain Mohammed

Mariah Denman

Position: Lock

Has impressed after a big year at the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW. She is playing 70 minutes each week in the middle forwards, works tirelessly in defence and is always there to cart the ball up. Always at the top end of run metres each game.

CQ Capras' player Gemma Brennan.

Gemma Brennan

Position: Prop

Has really stepped up since assuming the captaincy this year. Incredibly fit, she works non-stop. Playing super-tough and being aggressive in defence, she has been consistent in every outing this season.

Bree Spreadborough. Photo: Pam McKay

Bree Spreadborough

Position: Centre

Her yardage carries this year have been terrific and get the Capras going forward to start their sets. Fast, agile and strong, she is as capable in defence as she is in attack. Was selected to represent the Queensland Sapphires at the women’s national championships, and went on to be named in the Team of the Tournament.