NRLW star Ali Brigginshaw to stay with Valley Diehards after top tier scratching

Arguably the best female rugby league player in the world and a group of fellow footy stars have pledged to stay with their historic club despite it being controversially axed from the top-tier QRLW competition.

A DECISION to scrap a club from the state’s top women’s rugby comp has sparked a boycott threat from some of the state’s top players, including the Queensland captain.

The Valley Diehards has a 112-year history in Brisbane, but the club has been scrapped from the QRLW competition in 2022.

Ali Brigginshaw - a trail blazing sportswoman who captains for Australia, Queensland and the Brisbane Broncos - and RugbyLeague legend Wally Lewis’ daughter, Jamie-Lee Lewis, are among the top players who have vowed not to leave the longstanding club.

Diehard players were shocked to find they were not part of the eight teams announced to play in the QRLW next year as the competition looks likely to align with statewide Intrust Super League clubs.

Australian, Queensland and Brisbane Broncos Captain Ali Brigginshaw. Picture: NRL Photos

Brigginshaw said she was told before coach Scott Prince and President Danny Walker.

“As far as I knew we were playing, Danny was told we were in, and then a couple of days later there was an email asking the leadership group from the Queensland team to be on a call,” she said.

“They said they wanted to speak to the players first but I think that’s one way they wanted to avoid having those tough conversations.”

Brigginshaw said she will stay at the club, which finished undefeated minor premiers in their debut season in the 2021 BHP Premiership.

“I am definitely staying strong with Valleys, we’re all going to buy into it,” she said.

“We’re not all going to go play for another club just because we are told to.”

Valley Diehards players Taylor-Adeline Mapusua, 23, and Jamie-Lee Lewis, 31, will stand with the club after they were scratched from the QRLW competition in 2022. Picture: Tara Croser

The “King”, Wally Lewis, is a Diehards legend, winning a premiership at the club in the BRL days, his daughter Jamie-Lee made the switch to the club this year, she said it was one of the best decisions of her life.

“Of course (I will stay), that’s why we are called diehards, we’ll stand behind the club and make sure the future of women’s rugby league at the club continues,” Lewis said.

“Myself and everyone in the team and club has been rocked by the news and the process of how they handled it, we’re very heartbroken and absolutely disappointed.”

The club has had five Origin players and 11 NRLW players and will look at the Diehards playing the SEQ Premiership, a tier below the QRLW, in a meeting tomorrow.

The General Manager of community rugby league and competitions, Glenn Ottaway said the decision came after a statewide competition review into both the men and women’s games.

“Due to a cluttered Women’s schedule, and to sustain the QRLW at the level it needs to be at, eight teams was the right number so we had to make some tough decisions,” he said.

He said the West Brisbane Panthers, also a community club, were left in the competition as they have been trailblazers for the women’s game at the SEQ level.

But he said there is a risk the top grade may lose some great players due to their loyalty to the Diehards.

“That’s a decision those players have to make and weigh up the feeling they have around deep within about wanting to stay at Valleys or play at the performance level of the game.”

QRLW 2022 TEAM LIST

Brisbane Tigers

Burleigh Bears

Central Queensland Capras

North Queensland Gold Stars

Souths Logan Magpies

Tweed Seagulls

West Brisbane Panthers

Wynnum Manly Seagulls

In: Souths Logan Magpies, Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Not returning: Valleys Diehards, Queensland Valkyries