Two women played injured, two fantastic forwards starred and a winger piled on the points

While they failed to claim the titles, the Rockhampton Rustlers women’s and men’s teams stood tall at the Central Region rugby league carnival. Check out the highlights here.

Highlights of the Rockhampton Rustlers performances at the 47th Battalion in Kingaroy.

Two integral members of the Rockhampton Rustlers women’s team played the 47th Battalion carnival with serious hand injuries.

Halfback Sarah Field and hooker Alenna Whipp carried the injuries into the two-day event in Kingaroy.

The courage they showed epitomised the effort of both the women’s and men’s teams, which finished fourth and third respectively.

The Rocky Rustlers women finished fourth at the 47th Battalion carnival in Kingaroy.

The women’s campaign was hindered by the loss of two players in the first half of their opening game against Queensland Outback.

Centre Gracie Popp broke her wrist while fending off a player in the third minute, while winger Eden Wone dislocated her shoulder in a try-saving tackle just before half-time.

Despite the double blow, the Rustlers went on to win that game 26-4. They were beaten 44-4 by eventual champions Sunshine Coast in game two and went down fighting against Central Highlands in the playoff for third and fourth, the final score 20-16.

The Rocky Rustlers men were third at the 47th Battalion carnival in Kingaroy.

The Rustlers men made a blistering start with a 44-nil win over Queensland Outback.

They were beaten 32-22 by the Toowoomba Clydesdales, who went on to win back-to-back titles, but bounced back to score a 48-14 win over the Bundaberg Bears to secure third place.

Rustlers’ carnival highlights

Halfback Sarah Field was named the Rocky Rustlers' women's Players Player at the 47th Battalion in Kingaroy.

Wounded warriors

Halfback Sarah Field broke her thumb in club football three weeks ago but was determined to take her place in the Rustlers line-up.

The Indigenous All Stars representative was influential in the number 7 jersey, showing her class in the team’s three appearances and being named Players’ Player.

Alenna Whipp played with a hand injury.

Teammate Alenna Whipp, too, didn’t want to “let the team down and pull out” after injuring her hand at the Queensland Country Rugby Championships a fortnight earlier.

“I’m not sure of the injury… but I think it’s a fracture or ligaments,” she said.

“I just pushed through it and played as best as I could for the girls.

“I was beyond privileged to have the opportunity to play for the team and represent the region.”

Georgia Wright pictured playing for the CQ Capras under-19s.

Star on the rise

Women’s coach Brad Parker said it was great to see some of the younger players rise to the occasion.

One of them was forward Georgia Wright, who never took a backward step against more experienced rivals.

“She played a lot of minutes and she certainly made her presence felt,” Parker said of the 17-year-old’s performance.

As strong as she is skilful, Wright continued the great form she has shown this season with the CQ Capras under-19s and Norths A-grade women.

Bailey Cavanough starred in Kingaroy.

Vice-captain courageous

Barnstorming second rower Bailey Cavanough came into his own in Kingaroy, with coach Bert Tabuai glowing in his praise for the Rustlers’ vice-captain.

“He’s a real workhorse and was outstanding in every match he played,” Tabuai said.

“He’s a no-nonsense player who leads from the front and he’s very competitive in everything he does.

“He lets his footy do the talking and his actions inspire those around him.”

Justin Asse was the leading try-scorer and point-scorer at the carnival. Photo: Pam McKay

Wonder winger

Winger Justin Asse proved a “try-scoring machine” for the Rustlers.

He ran in seven tries, the most of the carnival, with his 28 points putting him atop the leading point scorers list as well.

Coach Tabuai said Asse posed a threat every time he had the ball but it wasn’t just his finishing that impressed the coach.

“He was happy to do the hard yards. When there was work to be done, he just rolled his sleeves up and got it done,” Tabuai said.