Profiles: Top female players at Central Qld Rugby Champs in Emerald

From a highly decorated rep player to an exciting teenage talent, we profile the players who turned it on in their quest for CQ Bushrangers selection.

The region's best female rugby union players turned out at the Central Queensland Championships, vying for selection in the CQ Bushrangers team.

Coach Aarre Hirsimaki can’t help but be excited at the upward trajectory of women’s rugby union in Central Queensland.

He was more than impressed as he watched the region’s best battle it out at the CQ Championships in Emerald last weekend.

Players from the CQ Brahmans and the Mackay Stingers were vying for selection in the CQ Bushrangers team for the upcoming Queensland Country Championships in Townsville.

The region's best female rugby union players turned out at the Central Queensland Championships, vying for selection in the CQ Bushrangers team.

Hirsimaki was at the helm of the Brahmans and will again take the reins of the Bushrangers, who will look to go one better than they did last year.

“The women’s game in our region continues to grow and get better,” he said.

Hirsimaki knows he will have plenty of talent at his disposal at the state championships, which kick off on June 27.

Key players from the CQ Championships

Elly May.

Elly May (Rugby Capricornia)

A three-time Queensland Country representative, she is unparalleled in every aspect of the game. She is a true rugby player who is in a league of her own. She showed her class, scoring five tries in two games at the weekend.

Penny Turner (Mackay)

Plays above her weight and loves the contest. Unbelievably tough and easily the best defender at the trials.

Simone Peri (with the ball).

Simone Peri (Rugby Capricornia)

The forever prop. One of the more experienced campaigners but still plays like she’s 20.

Shows great leadership and commitment.

Shannon Harris (Rugby Capricornia)

A testament to commitment, she is the most reliable person on any team. Knows every aspect of the game and is always keen to mentor the younger players coming through.

Carly Hill (Rugby Capricornia)

Has perfected passing and plays at a great standard every game. Was superb at the trials, setting up a number of tries.

Lily Sainsbury.

Lily Sainsbury (Mackay)

Though only 17, she didn’t look out of place in games with women twice her age. Tough and agile.

Jess Johnson (Rugby Capricornia)

Returning from an ACL injury, she came out very strong, grabbing some tries and being back to her fast form. “Mrs Reliable” on the wing.

Shannon Bean (Rugby Capricornia)

Also on the comeback from an ACL injury, she trialled a new position in the forwards and showcased her great defence and fast attacking game.

Jayden Hattingley (Mackay)

New to Central Queensland rugby but turned plenty of heads with her talent. Was solid in defence and very strong in attack.

Kheyane Smail (Mackay)

After playing Queensland Country last year for the first time, she came back to lead Mackay in their games as captain. Inspirational player with great defence.