Live stream: Meet the Queensland schoolgirls ready for battle at ASSRL Nationals
They are the Queensland schoolgirls set to do their state and families proud at the ASSRL national championships. Ahead of our exclusive live stream coverage, we profile the players and find out which NRLW clubs have signed them.
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They have ambition in their eyes and pride in their heart – they are the Queensland schoolgirls set to do their state and families proud at the ASSRL national championships starting on Saturday in Redcliffe.
Every match of the ASSRL Nationals will be exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV, including every game from the inaugural schoolgirls competition.
ASSRL HUB: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, FULL SCHEDULE, DAILY LIVE STREAM LINKS
The Queensland schoolgirls include some survivors from last season’s history making win over the NSW schools – players like India Seeto, Tavarna Papalii, Ebony Raftstrand-Smith and Malaela Sua.
But the squad also includes many newcomers including Esther Pedro, the 16-year-old from Ipswich SHS and the Sunshine Coast’s sparkling raw talent, halfback Lila Parr.
RELATED LINKS
NRL SIGNINGS: WHERE THE 20 QLD SCHOOLBOYS WERE HEADED
Get to know the Queensland schoolgirls here.
Alice Shannon
First club: Glenora Bears RLFC (New Zealand)
Current club: Waterford Demons
First rugby league memory: Being forced to play and then falling in love with the game.
NRLW: Broncos Academy
Team supported when growing up: South Sydney.
Favourite player: Amber Hall of the Roosters. She’s a hard running prop.
Who is your role model: My parents. They’ve pushed me to be where I am. They’ve always been my No. 1 supporters.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Looking forward to playing alongside the girls.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: I feel honoured. It’s an honour to me and my family.
Deliah Eliu (Mabel Park State High School)
First club and current club: Beenleigh Lions and Waterford Demons
First rugby league memory: Titans
Team supported when growing up: Raiders
Favourite player: Shaylee Bennett or Isabella Kelly
Who is your role model: My grandfather Tuioti Eliu because he provided for our family and he kept going even though he was tired. He was able to keep on going for his family.
What part of nationals are you most excited about: I get to represent Queensland for the first time in my last year of school. I am excited to have a good experience with the girls.
What does playing for the Queensland schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means to much to me because I am representing my school, my family and my state.
RELATED LINKS
HERE’S A SUPER SIX FROM BOTH THE QLD BOYS AND GIRLS
FAMILY TIES INSPIRE ALEX LEAPAI’S RISE TO REP LEVEL
Mercedez Taluelei-Siala (Marsden State High School, Waterford West)
First club: Waterford Demons
Current club: Waterford Demons
First rugby league memory: Waterford Demons
NRLW affiliated: Broncos
Team supported when growing up: Broncos
Favourite player: Corban McGregor
Who is your role model: Ruby Tui
What part of nationals are you most excited about: Wearing the Maroon jersey
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot to get my family name out there.
Esther Pedro (Ipswich State High School, Brassall)
First club and: Ipswich Brothers
Current club: Brisbane Tigers
Team supported when growing up: Cowboys
Favourite player: Jason Taumalolo
Who is your role model: Both my parents, Limiva and Jonasa. They are hard working people and I love them very much.
What part of nationals are you most excited about: Getting the field and putting on that Queensland jersey and being able to represent the state for the first time.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot to me. I always wanted to go out on the field and play for my state so to play for Queensland is amazing opportunity.
Nadia Windleborn (Merrimac State High School, Mermaid Waters)
First club: Robina Raptors
Current club: Burleigh Bears
NRLW: Titans
Team supported when growing up: Warriors and now the Titans where I have been a ballgirl.
Favourite player: Shaun Johnson and Cameron Munster and Cam Smith
Who is your role model: Older brother Dion.
What part of nationals are you most excited about: The fact that we will be playing against other states and that there is so much competition.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot. It was a huge goal to make the side so it was really cool to be recognised given all the hard work.
Armani-Lea Aurae (Murrumba State Secondary College, Murrumba Downs)
First club: Pine Central
Current club: Pine Central
First rugby league memory: Coming home from schools on a random Tuesday and my dad asked if I wanted to play with the under-14 girls. That was my first time, I was really excited … I wanted to get into contact sport so that was my highlight.
Team supported when growing up: Warriors because my dad is from New Zealand.
Favourite player: Julia Robinson because she’s very dedicated.
Who is your Role model: My mum. A hard worker, I look up to her a lot.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Excited to play with the girls. It’s my first time playing for Queensland so I am excited to play.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot. My family has been pushing me a lot to get to this goal and to play for my family on their behalf.
Paityne Johns (St Patrick’s College, Mackay)
First club: Mackay Magpies
Current club: Mackay Magpies
First rugby league memory: Winning the Capricornia State Championships in my first year of under-11s.
Team supported when growing up: NQ Cowboys because of Johnathan Thurston.
Favourite player: Brittany Brailey because when I broke my knee she wrote me a letter saying keep your head up, it’s just a set back.
Who is your Role model: I just watch hookers like Harry Grant and try take tips.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Getting on the field and playing. Having a go … I just want to make an impact and get the forwards rolling on … organise and communicating.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot to mum and dad. They've been watching for so long so it’s great for them to see I have made something higher. for me getting the opportunity to play with different girls.
India Seeto (Marsden State High School, Waterford West)
First club: Beenleigh Lions
Current club: Waterford Demons
NRLW club: Broncos
Team supported when growing up: South Sydney
Favourite player: Evania Pelite of the Titans and Queensland.
Who is your role model: My dad Joal. He is the reason I play. And he has been a good coach as well.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Playing teams from all the other states because last year we only played against NSW.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot. I have been in Queensland my whole life and making the team makes my family proud. That is the biggest thing.
Leilani Ahsam (King’s Christian College, Pimpama)
First club: Nerang Roosters
Current club: Tweed Seagulls
First rugby league memory: I remember I ended up playing because it was during Covid and Union wasn’t on and I wanted to stay in the contact. League was still happening so I gave it a go, played my first game and I have loved it ever since.
Team supported when growing up: Gold Coast Titans
Favourite player: Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui and Hannah Southwell in the NRLW – I look up to her work rate.
Who is your Role model: My mum she’s one of the bravest people I know. I really look up to her.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Playing with my teammates, getting to know everyone. I can tell it’s a really good group so just seeing everyone gelling. It’s going well.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It’s a great privilege, we’ve been given such a great opportunity. I am so grateful and ready to represent my family out there.
Reegan Hicks (Australian Christian College Moreton, Caboolture)
First club: Stanley River Wolves Woodford
Current club: Beerwah Bulldogs
First rugby league memory: Schoolgirls in Year 6 … It was my first few footy games of my life.
Team supported when growing up: NQ Cowboys because of Johnathan Thurston and my brother went for them.
Favourite player: Jessica Sergis because she’s a gun.
Who is your Role model: My sister Chanae because she is determined in everything.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Just coming up against the other teams.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It feels incredible. A bit nervous but proud of myself.
Dakota Taputoa (Keebra Park State High School, Southport)
First club: Cairns Kangaroos
Current club: Goodna Eagles
NRLW: Looking towards it … interest from the Dragons.
First rugby league memory: It was in rugby union, playing under-12s in the boys team. It was really fun.
Team supported when growing up: Warriors … My mum and dad are from New Zealand.
Favourite player: Taylan May because he’s a good winger and I am working towards that position.
Who is your Role model: My mum and dad. The sacrifices they made for us growing up, moving from Cairns to here.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Getting to know everyone … Keen to see what everyone from different places come up with.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot because I repeated to do this. Making sure it’s not a regret if I didn’t make it.
Relna Wuruki-Hosea (Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, Ipswich)
First club: Brothers Ipswich
Current club: Brisbane Easts Tigers
NRLW: Titans Academy
First rugby league memory: (In the last couple years) the under 17 City v Country camp. I got to make more friends, girls I didn’t know who are my best mates now in footy.
Team supported when growing up: Broncos
Who is your Role model: Ali Brigginshaw because she’s very encouraging and she directs you and shows you instead of speaking … she guides you.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Getting close with the girls I don’t know. there’s some new girls I don’t know … I am excited to play with Malaela, Ebony and Tivarna.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: Means a lot. Last year we had the one game this year is a carnival and it’s much bigger.
Lila Parr (Chancellor State College, Sippy Downs)
First club: Caloundra Sharks
Current club: Caloundra Sharks
NRLW: None
Team supported when growing up: Cowboys
Favourite player: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Who is your role model: My dad Clinton has always pushed me to do my best and give everything I have.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: It is my first state team for league and I get to represent my family’s name on the field.
What does playing for the Queensland schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: I get to represent my state and family and have a good time.
Ebony Raftstrand-Smith (Keebra Park SHS)
First club: Mt Albert Lions
Current club: Cowboys
NRLW: Cowboys
Team supported when growing up: None
Favourite player: Latrell Mitchell
Who is your Role model: My sister Tiana (who played NRLW for the Titans but who has joined her for 2023 at the Cowboys).
What part of nationals are you most excited about: Being able to play against heaps of other teams because last year we only played against NSW.
What does playing for the Queensland schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot and is extra special seeing it is my last year.
Malaela Sua (Mabel Park SHS)
First club: Logan Brothers
Current club: Brisbane Tigers
Team supported when growing up: Gold Coast Titans
Team supported when growing up: Parramatta
Favourite player: Jeremiah Nanai and Shannon Mato
Who is your role model: My baby brother Semi
What part of nationals are you most excited about: Just making this Queensland team, I feel like it is time for me to step up and lead the younger ones. And I really want to crack the Australian schoolgirls this year.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: Years of hard work paying off, and all the sacrifice of my family to help get me here in my last year of school.
Tavarna Papalii (Keebra Park SHS)
First club: Nerang Roosters
Current club: Sydney Roosters
NRLW club: Sydney Roosters
Team supported when growing up: I did not support a team but my family went for South Sydney.
Favourite player: Ebony Raftstrand-Smith
Who is your role model: My mum Belinda
What part of nationals are you most excited about: Playing with a new bunch of girls. We have a nice mix and we are also playing at a good stadium (Kayo) so the whole lot is exciting.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot especially when your parents and family sacrifice a lot. I am not living at home at the moment, so coming back to represent Queensland is pretty cool.
Lennice Wright (Deception Bay SHS)
First club: Aspley Devils
Current club: Caboolture Snakes
NRLW club: Broncos
Team supported when growing up: South Sydney
Favourite player: Latrell Mitchell
Who is your role model: Thomas Wright
What part of nationals are you most excited about: Representing my family and my culture in a sport that I love.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot because I worked so hard to get to where I am today. It is a privilege to be able to play for Queensland.
Montoya Hudson (Marsden SHS)
First club: Brothers Townsville
Current club: Waterford Demons
NRLW: Broncos
Team supported when growing up: Cowboys
Favourite player: Johnathan Thurston because of his will to keep going
Who is your role model: My brother Marshall. He played fullback and kept trying despite many injuries.
What part of nationals are you most excited about: I am looking forward to the girls coming together and doing the best they can.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It means a lot to be recognised.
Fleur Ginn (Stretton State College, Stretton)
First club: Ipswich Brothers
NRLW: Broncos
Team supported when growing up: Broncos
Favourite player: Benji Marshall
Who is your role model: My dad Roa who pushed me and taught me everything I know.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Supporting the girls. They are so talented.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It was exciting to hear our names read out. It is an opportunity I know a lot of girls would want as well. It is a privilege to be a part of this team and put our best foot forward.
Aspen Nakao
First club: Pine Central
Current club: Pine Central
First rugby league memory: Two years ago when I first put on a jersey and socks and got the feel of everything. All the nerves hit me. My first contact sport was league.
NRLW: Broncos Academy.
Team supported when growing up: Dad followed a few clubs like Sharks and Storm. Everywhere.
Favourite player: Nicho Hynes. His skill level, the way he plays on the field and presents himself.
Who is your role model: My mum because she pushes me to keep achieving goals and work harder for what I want.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Just the experience, hopefully winning. Enjoying the memories.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: This was one of my biggest goals … Originally I was a shadow and it meant the world to me to get the call up … One of my biggest goals, being able to represent my family in the jersey.
Armani-Lea Aurae
First club: Easts Brisbane Tigers
Current club: Easts Brisbane Tigers
First rugby league memory: Getting concussed with a knee to the head.
Favourite player: Millie Boyle of the Roosters.
Who is your role model: My dad and my grandad.
What part of Nationals are you most excited about: Versing the other teams … I am most excited to play with Tavarna because she’s great on the field. She looks like she knows what she’s doing on the field.
What does playing for the Queensland Schoolgirls U18s mean to you and your family: It’s paying off. halfway there I guess.
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