ASSRL Nationals: Queensland’s ‘human bulldozer’ Alice Shannon driving her team to national glory

She is the unstoppable force driving Queensland into the finals of the inaugural ASSRL Schoolgirls Nationals. Find out how to watch the semi-finals LIVE on Thursday.

Her coach describes her as a “human bulldozer”, and rightfully so.

Mabel Park State High prop Alice Shannon has left a path of destruction in her wake at the ASSRL Under-18 Nationals this week.

She is one of the most destructive ballrunners and most unforgiving defenders at the tournament in Redcliffe.

Queensland prop Alice Shannon has been an unstoppable force during the ASSRL Nationals at Redcliffe this week. Picture: John Gass

And a key figure behind Queensland’s unbeaten run to the tournament semi-finals.

The girls semi-finals will be exclusively live streamed by KommunityTV as part of a massive third day of action at the ASSRL Nationals on Thursday.

ASSRL HUB: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, SCHEDULES, DAILY LINKS

Shannon is part of the Broncos Women’s Academy and has aspirations of playing for the three-time NRLW premiers.

While she might be a softly spoken, happy person off the field, it defies her explosive toughness on it.

The New Zealander said it stemmed from her passion for the game.

“My dad has been coaching me since I started playing and he and mum have taught me (the game),” Shannon said.

“I know my job and that’s do it. Run hard and with intent… I got passion for it.

“It comes from the heart, representing Queensland and my family. It’s an honour.

“Hopefully… any team that will sign me. I am with the Academy and they’ve helped me. I have gained heaps of experience. I am learning lots… ball playing, running hard, hitting holes.

“I don’t want to be known as a prop that can just run. I want to be good in every area.”

QLD players celebrate a try in their clash with Northern Territory on Saturday. Picture, John Gass

With fellow Mabel Park schoolmate, and Titans contracted Malaela Su’a on her hip, Queensland were dealing blows on both sides of the ball.

The pair of them were like two peas in a pod.

When asked about teammate Su’a and their combination Shannon said they liked to work in tandem.

“She’s definitely a gun, if she’s there I am there or when I am running she is there with me,” she said.

The two heavy hitters will be crucial for the Maroons as they face their toughest test yet in Redcliffe, a semi-final showdown with NSW Combined Catholic Colleges.

The NSWCCC finished second in Pool A with one loss across their six matches. They possess a forward pack with plenty of size and similar agression, with the battle of the middle third expected to erupt at Redcliffe.

The girls semi-finals highlight a massive third day of action at the ASSRL Nationals on Wednesday, which includes the return of the Queensland boys side determined to avenge their opening round loss to NSWCCC.

The Queensland boys will clash with Combined Affiliated States, while NSW Combined High Schools will meet the ACT.

In the other girls semi-final NSW Combined High Schools clash with NSW Combined Independent Schools.

Originally published as ASSRL Nationals: Queensland’s ‘human bulldozer’ Alice Shannon driving her team to national glory