Toowoomba Warriors carnival men’s and women’s players to watch

The Toowoomba Warriors men’s and women’s carnivals will be held over the next two weekends with some of the best rugby league players in the region battling it out for glory. We have shone a light on the top male and female players to watch.

Ashley Taylor in action for the Toowoomba Warriors against Kambu Warriors at the 2024 Toowoomba Warriors Reconciliation Carnival. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The annual Toowoomba Warriors Reconciliation Carnival is back again for 2025, with the women’s nines competition set to be held on January 18 and the men’s competition on the 25th.

With players from across the state and New South Wales competing, there is set to be some talented players running out at Jack Martin Centre over the next two weekends.

In the women’s competition, the ATSICHS Sista Girls, Toowoomba Warriors, Oakey, Bradley Dahlstrom Memorial and William Taylor Memorial teams will be competing for glory.

Meanwhile in the men’s competition there are 21 teams which have nominated for the carnival and will battle it out for the coveted Cec Docherty Memorial Trophy.

We have shone a light on just a few of the players who are set to make their mark.

Ash Taylor

Lining up for William Taylor Memorial team, former NRL and current TRL star Ash Taylor will be one to watch in the halves.

The talented playmaker creates elite opportunities and his football IQ makes him a natural leader on the field.

Taylor spoke about how special it would be to play rugby league in honour of his late uncle.

“(It is) obviously very special and he was a very close family member of mine all through my life and had a big influence on my family culturally as well,” he said.

“He was a very special uncle of mine.

“First and foremost it’s a family side, we wanted to make it a family because that is what he would have wanted because we are a close-knit family and it will be an occasion to celebrate his life.”

Following his retirement from professional rugby league, Taylor has been delighted to be a part of the yearly Warriors carnival.

“It’s great being back to grassroots footy and being able to give back to the community which has helped me so much,” he said.

Chris Woodbridge of Coastal Blacks against SEQ Magic in the 2023 Warriors Reconciliation Knockout Carnival. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Chris Woodbridge

One of the hottest talents in country rugby league, Woodbridge is lightning in a bottle and is excitement is guaranteed every time he touches the ball.

He has been by far the most dominant player the TRL has seen in several years and scores tries for fun.

Blake Mara

A natural leader who is a force to be reckoned with in the forward pack.

Mara was in fine form in 2024, earning a call-up for the Queensland Country rep side.

Tony Clevin

Clevin is one of the most dynamic backs in Toowoomba Rugby League and his energy and incredible footwork is second to none.

With Clevin and Taylor both lining up for the same team this weekend, the duo’s attacking chemistry will be on full show after they created countless try-scoring opportunities for Brothers last year in the TRL.

Kiara Taylor of Newtown against Brothers. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Kiara and Kirsten Taylor

Kiara and Kirsten Taylor will feature for the William Taylor Memorial side in the women’s comp and will be ones to watch for that team with Kiara entering the carnival off the back of a stunning year for Newtown in the TRL where she won the TRL Player of the Year award

The Sista Girls celebrate winning the 2024 Toowoomba Warriors Women's carnival.

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Emily and Nicole Robinson, Lily Shaw and Kaycee Campbell

The Sista Girls team is defending its title from last year and will once again field several talented players with Emily and Nicole Robinson, Lily Shaw and Kaycee Campbell set to be key players in their quest for a second title.

Tamika Clevin of Newtown. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Tamika Clevin and Emily Young

Clevin and Young will line up for the Warriors.

Clevin is a hooker who has starred for Newtown in recent years.

She is one of the senior players in the Lions squad and does plenty of little things which help the team run smoothly.

Young brings TRL experience and also had a stint with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership.

Kiah and Denika Murray

The young guns were breakout stars in last year’s competition and will look to make their mark again this year.

Originally published as Toowoomba Warriors carnival men’s and women’s players to watch