NRL Schoolgirls Cup finals: Mabel Park ready to rise in historic Queensland schoolgirls final

They have been trailblazers in the schoolgirls league space, but it is not just what they do on the field that makes Mabel Park a success. Hear from the coach ahead of a massive Queensland state final.

Queensland’s schoolgirls trailblazers have a chance to lock in a piece of history that has almost been written into their destiny since day one.

Mabel Park State High will clash with Northern rivals Kirwan State High in the Queensland Schoolgirls Cup final on Wednesday.

The winner will go directly into the inaugural National Schoolgirls Cup final in Sydney next month.

WATCH THE QUEENSLAND SCHOOLGIRLS CUP FINAL LIVE

Mabel Park's Liliele Vaitolo will represent her school in the Titans School League Girls Cup against Ipswich State High School. Picture: Leonie Key

Mabel Park, which has an official affiliation with the Sydney Roosters, are trail blazers in the schoolgirls game, having started its program in 2017 before the school’s boys program started.

“My greatest source of pride lies in the culture that we have been able to cultivate,’’ Mabel Park coach Chace Carey said.

“With family as a core pillar, our success extends beyond the game and is not defined by wins or losses, but in the growth of the individuals who have contributed to shaping this culture.’’

Four players who have cut inspiring figures this season have been Athena Vili, Kaylani Tavita, Nikolina Fangupo and Daesiniy Manukonga.

Both Vili and Tavita made their returns from long term knee injuries during the Titans Schools Cup finals.

“With the support of the school and their own hard work and dedication, the girls have managed to make a full recovery and are ready to make their mark on the game,’’ coach Carey said.

“Daesiniy and Nikolina are also unsung heroes who have excelled in the game and solidified themselves as a regular starters off the back of the dedication shown in their training.’’

The school qualified for Wednesday’s grand final after a historic Titans Schools Cup win last month.

Mabel Park's Liliele Vaitolo will represent her school in the Titans School League Girls Cup against Ipswich State High School. Picture: Leonie Key

While this will be their first state final in the 13-a-side game, the school has a successful history in the 9-a-side Karyn Murphy Cup competition.

“Since its inception Mabel Park SHS has punched well above its weight as one of the premier schools in the region,’’ Carey said.

Aside from producing many Queensland under 16 or under 18 schoolgirl representatives, Mabel Park also has notable NRLW alumni including Roosters premiership winner Keilee Joseph, Otesa Pule and Cowboys duo Shaylee Joseph and Jessika Reeves.

Mabel Park’s partnership with the Roosters has opened several doors into the NRLW and provides a direct pathway for students into NSWRL premier girls competition the Tarsha Gale Cup.

Sydney Roosters head of pathways and New South Wales women’s under 19 coach, Blake Cavallaro, said the club’s link with Mabel Park SHS was stronger than ever.

“We have had a really good partnership over the last few years, upskilling the girls and coaches and giving them a chance to be a part of our elite environment in Sydney,’’ Cavallaro said.