Star centre Jess Powell expecting big things with the addition of NRLW and Origin star

LISTED: Every member of the CQ Capras women squad, which includes Origin star Tamika Upton and experienced campaigner Pani Rupapere.

Jess Powell is predicting big things from the CQ Capras women in the QRLW premiership this year.

The 29-year-old, who was named as the club’s best back last year, was putting her best foot forward at a training camp at Rockhampton’s Browne Park at the weekend.

“We can see that our girls are working hard, even though they’re spread all across Central Queensland,” she said.

“We’re getting there, we’re starting to flow really well. This morning we had one of our schmickest drills and skills sessions for the season.

“Our fitness, speed and agility is probably what’s going to get us across the line this year.

“To be able to pull on the jersey again… and to possibly be in the top four and maybe even take it out this year is really exciting.

“We’ve managed to maintain a good core of our team so we’ll be able to go out there and have a good crack.”

Powell said she was looking forward to lining up with the club’s marquee signing - NRLW and Maroons State of Origin star Tamika Upton - who was instrumental in the Indigenous All Stars win over the Maori All Stars on Saturday night.

CQ Capras centre Jess Powell was a standout last season. Photo: Colleen Edwards/QRL

She was also excited at the prospect of taking the field with Pani Rupapere, a Central Queensland product who played with the North Queensland Gold Stars last year.

“She’s coming into the halves. I’m really excited to play with her, she obviously brings a lot of experience,” Powell said.

“From the first camp, she set her expectations for our team which was really good for the girls.

“Just to have that leadership, the experience she brings, I’m excited for that so I’m looking forward to how we go with her.

“It’s phenomenal to have someone like Tamika in the team, someone who is so skilled and so experienced.”

CQ Capras 2022 squad

Keysha Baker

Reeghyn Beardmore

Gemma Brennan

Chloe Buttigieg

Kirralee Costelloe

Kelli Dunlop

Sarah Ingledew

Zeah Lane

Tyla Mitchell

Emma Paki

Tylah Phillips

Emily Powell

Jess Powell

Mackenzie Reid

Mikayla Roe

Kailah Rogers

Pani Rupapere

Caitlin Sing

Bree Spreadborough

Ta Steere

Mariah Storch

Krystal Sulter

Sharni Upton

Tamika Upton

Chrissy Vaalepu

Jasmine Waters