Norths Devils squad for the Harvey Norman U19 league season

Harvey Norman U19 rugby league countdown: Norths Devils’ exciting squad includes two New Zealand raiders. Full story here along with the squad.

Fanua Rimoni on the move - and scoring.

The Norths Devils were in the home straight as its U19 squad eyes the start of the season in just under three weeks.

Another powerful group of girls has been assembled under coach Tasha Davie, with players coming from around the south east and even abroad for a chance to play in the esteemed Harvey Norman U19 competition.

Two are New Zealand talents, Riana Leafa-Paki and Fanua Rimoni, who have arrived at Bishop Park from near Wellington, the New Zealand capital.

JUNIOR REP PREVIEWS

HARVEY NORMAN U19s

REDCLIFFE’S SQUAD

WYNNUM MANLY

HARVEY NORMAN U17s

SOUTH LOGAN SQUAD

WYNNUM MANLY SQUAD

MENINGA CUP

BRISBANE TIGERS SQUAD

CONNELL CUP

SOUTHS LOGAN SQUAD

They a from a little town called Wainuiomata which is cradled in a lovely valley featuring beautiful green hills.

Both Rimone and hooker/utility Leafa-Paki were high achievers for schoolgirls, having played Premier league and rugby union in Wellington, about a 40 drive from Wainuiomata.

Fanua was so highly thought of, she was a part of the Wellington Pride NPC women’s squad.

Leafa-Paki is a terrific little hooker, but can also swing into the halves or play as a running forward.

Riana Leafa-Paki of Norths passing the ball.

Both Rimone and Leafa-Paki bring experience and skill to the squad, but there is plenty of other talent as well.

One of the most exciting players in the competition last season was mobile middle forward

Easter Taualai.

While she had a disrupted pre-season due to injury, Taualai was gathering valuable fitness in the trials.

Fanua Rimoni scoring.

“With a few more weeks prior to the season I can see her efforts in preparation stepping up and she will definitely be difficult to handle in the forward pack when she is at her peak,’’ said coach Davie.

In the backs, centres Barbara (Cathy) Sakaio and Eva Steers were physical and athletic.

Those girls have an ability to get Norths moving forward out of the end zone through speed and strength.

Cop that - Norths defend in an U19 women's rugby league trial game against the Falcons.

The Devils squad: Skye Blackburn, Matilda Brown, Savannah Clulow, Ash Cotter, Jess Jahnke, Rharni Law, Lillyarna Minter-Hawe, Madison Morris, Jacinta Neemia, Fanua Rimoni, Cathy Sakaio, Eva Steers, Easter Taualai, Lily Togiatama, Riana Leafa-Paki, Aaliyah-Rose Tusiofo, Nyeema Tuua, Sienna Twigg, Bailey Webb, Lauren White.

Round 1

February 8

Burleigh v Ipswich

February 15

Tweed v Dolphins

Tigers v Norths

Blackhawks v Capras

Cutters v Pride

Falcons v Clydesdales

Wynnum Manly v Magpies

Strong Norths defence puts pressure on outstanding Sunshine Coast Falcons player Sarah McGuire. Picture, John Gass