Cairns 17-year-olds Jaeda Morato and Bulou Alesi Lutumailagi propel Wanderers to FNQ women’s rugby union minor premiership

Cairns Wanderers secured the minor premiership at the weekend with a spine of rising star 17-year olds, breaking a string of women’s rugby union records in the process.

Cairns Wanderers star duo Bulou Alesi Lutumailagi (left) and Jaeda Morato celebrating the minor premiership. Picture: Cairns Wanderers

Emerging stars Jaeda Morato and Bulou Alesi Lutumailagi — both 17 — were instrumental in the Cairns Wanderers unrelenting march to the FNQ women’s rugby union minor premiership this season.

Wanderers clinched a top spot with a tough 17-15 win against second-place Southside Crusaders at Jones Park at the weekend.

The undefeated Wanderers record-setting season included the highest score — an 80-0 domination against Northern Beaches in round nine — contributing to an average winning margin of more than 50 points per game.

Queensland Country representative and locker room leader Steph Barnes praised Wanderers for consistently setting the highest of standards as well as Morato and Lutumailagi.

“(Morato) has come through as a strong and dominant force in the backs,” Barnes said.

“She can read the play but she’s also hungry for the ball, she’ll get in there and get in on the action.

“(Lutumailagi) is setting the mark for kicking in the competition.

“She’s another dominant force to be reckoned with the biggest and best kick, she runs extremely hard.”

Both Morato and Lutumailagi have come through the club’s junirors to make impactful senior debuts this season.

The Cairns Wanderers women’s side secured the FNQ rugby union minor premiership at the weekend, propelled by a core of talented 17-year-olds who broke multiple records this season

Morato, typically a centre but excelling at fullback, scored two tries on Friday night. She has been on a try-scoring frenzy this season, crossing for a competition-high 24 tries in seven games by capitalising on her elite leg speed, strong reading of the play and cunning mentality to terrorise her opponents.

She is destined for higher honours as the electric back is now on the path to represent Australia in the Rugby 7s with a cautious eye on the Olympics Games in the future. Morata is off to the Lloyd McDermott National schoolgirls competition at Sunshine Coast this week.

Lutumailagi has punished sides with her lethal kicking. She has two tries and a whopping 108 points this season. Her efficiency in front of goal has been remarkable scoring 49-63 conversions. Lutumailagi is off to Rockhampton this weekend for the Queensland Country Championships.

Cairns Wanderers secured the minor premiership at the weekend with a spine of rising star 17-year olds, breaking a string of records in the process.

Captain Ciara Grogan and Barnes, among the senior members, have served as inspirations for Morato and Lutumailagi the rest of the team, fostering a culture of humility and unity.

Replacing the grand final squad from the previous year was a significant challenge during the off-season, with only three players remaining for that side.

But Wanderers’ decision to invest in motivated young talent has paid off, with their approach yielding an impressive campaign powered by hard work and discipline on and off the field.

As part of focus on team culture, players wore special jerseys designed by members of the team with every player including a word that emphasises why they play rugby.

The jerseys were auctioned off after the game with funds raised to help the players cover costs for the rep programs.

Originally published as Cairns 17-year-olds Jaeda Morato and Bulou Alesi Lutumailagi propel Wanderers to FNQ women’s rugby union minor premiership