Queensland’s top senior female grassroots rugby union players
Discover the leading women of Queensland’s rugby union scene, the top players breaking new ground and the guns from every area of the state who could represent the Australian Wallaroos in the future. See them all here.
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The Wallabies are in the middle of a World Cup campaign in France and back home there are some grassroots greates ensuring the female side of the game continues to grow.
They are the groundbreakers who helped create teams or competitions in their region, stalwarts of the game who are leaving a legacy for future generations or young guns who will someday represent the Wallaroos on the world stage.
We want to celebrate the female first grade rugby union players doing amazing things in Queensland and after scouring all parts of the state we have highlighted the players who deserve enormous recognition.
GOLD COAST
Player: Evie Sampson
Club: GCDRU Barbarians
Position: Half back
Comment: Has an incredible rugby IQ which is well beyond her 16 years. Sampson will study her role no matter where the coach needs her to ensure she is ready to put on a top-level performance. The teen exhibits strength, smarts and a huge passion for the sport, and often backs up for two games on the one day.
Player name: Jaemee Papuni
Club: Helensvale Hogs
Position: Scrum Half
Comment: No one is as committed as Papuni, she constantly turns up and puts the work in off the field and the results speak for themselves with her performance on the field. Definitely a young gun on the come up.
Player: Saedy Goble-Lote
Club: Helensvale Hogs
Position: Flanker
Comment: Saedy incurred a position switch this year. Moving from backs to forwards, in her first year she has gone on to play rep level footy. She is a weapon and one to watch in the near future.
Player: Nathalia Giraldo
Club: Helensvale Hogs
Position: Hooker
Comments: Nathalia is a very experienced player. She brought knowledge to the team and her performances on the field were always consistent. She was a player we could rely on no matter where or who we were playing.
Jasmine Kemp
Club: Hinterland Celtics
Position: No.8
Our captain Jasmine Kemp is our best player. She leads from the front with hard runs at the opposition and has scored most of our trys this season. Jazzy plays number 8 or number 10 and is an inspirational player to our younger players. Her defence is her strength and she has a great understanding of the game and sets herself high expectations every time she takes the field.
Hinenuitepo Takimoana
Club: Hinterland Celtics
Position: Fullback
A strong running fullback who is always a threat with the ball on attack. A very strong defensive player who is reliable under the high ball. Hine is a great team player who puts her body on line every game.
Raven Mako
Club: Hinterland Celtics
PositionL Outside centre
A talented young centre who is a strong runner with the ball and has been one of our strongest defensive players this season. Raven is our leading try scorer for the backs this season and she has a great understanding of the game and line speed pressure on defence.
Wendy Tipene
Club: Hinterland Celtics
Position: Loosehead prop
Our hardest running forward this season, Wendy has the best attitude and normally plays a full game every week. A well seasoned front rower Wendy brings a lot of experience to the Celtics team and she has also brought other players to the club this season.
Cassandra Woodhall
Club: Hinterland Celtics
Position: Lock
Cassandras first season of 15 aside rugby has been a cracker. The tall lanky lock has a great work rate around the field. A solid jumper in the line outs and just keeps on going . Her tackling is on point and her ability to win ball at the break down has been a great contribution to the Celtics team this season.
Kaliyah Murphy
Club: Hinterland Celtics
Position: Flanker
The young bolter.
Our open side flanker who is only 17 years old has earned the number 7 jersey every week. Her courage at the break down and her ability to win turn over ball has been out standing. She has a high work rate on attack and for a small player she can tackle anyone in her path. Kaliyah is a player to watch in the future.
Tahlia Zischke
Club: Redlands
Zischke is quality personified and she took out the prestigious Best on Field award for the 2023 season which would come as a surprise to no one.
Sunshine Coast
Maddie Janke
Club: Caloundra Lighthouse
Position: Flanker/Number eight
Comments: A true leader and an exception on field talent, Janke led her fresh-faced side all the way to the grand final in 2023 and took home the competitions best and fairest player award. No matter the on-field situation the tough and skillful forward never seems to not have a smile on her face.
Tangiora Armstrong
Club: Caloundra Lighthouse
Position: Flyhalf
Comments: One of the more skillful players in the competition, Armstrong was a vital member of Caloundra’s push to the 2023 grand final. Shows great ability to beat her opposition defenders one-on-one or can link up with the players around her to create solid try scoring opportunities.
Bronte Langbridge
Club: Noosa Dolphins
Position: Halfback
Comments: As one of the younger players in the senior women’s division, Langbridge stepped up to the plate once again in 2023 and was a leading halfback of the competition. The grade 12 student is still finding her feet, playing a number of positions in the forwards and backs since beginning her rugby journey, but has definitely proved as a player to keep an eye on.
Olivia Lubrano
Club: Noosa Dolphins
Position: Prop
Comments: The 2023 Dolphins captain was a standout performer all season in the front row. Lubrano brought a wealth of knowledge and breakdown skills to the field and will look to continue her impressive form next season.
Holly Radge
Club: Noosa Dolphins
Position: Flyhalf
Comments: Always shows plenty of promise with the ball in hand, creating good options and space for her surrounding teammates. Works well at linking up her forwards and backs and more often than not is involved in try scoring plays for her side.
Dana Robertson
Club: Maroochydore Swans
Position: Loose forward
Comments: Was extremely strong at the breakdown all season and excelled at pilfering the ball. Her work on the defensive end and when she has the ball in hand has improved immensely in 2023.
Chloe Silva
Club: Maroochydore Swans
Position: Inside Centre
Comments: Is a dominant runner with the ball and a true leader for the Swans defensive line in 2023. Silva brought plenty of energy and direction to the Maroochydore attack this season and would no doubt look to improve again next year.
Olivia Fidow
Club: Caboolture Snakes
Position: Prop
Comments: Arguably one of the best forwards on the Sunshine Coast. Fidow has been a brute force since entering the competition, captaining her emerging Snakes side to a series of well fought victories. Takes more than one person to stop her and is a menace at the breakdown.
Rebekka Murtagh
Club: Nambour Toads
Position: Prop
Comments: Can do it all on the rugby field and seemed to be a step above her opposition in almost every match this season. The versatile forward has a great running game but is just as effective with her passing and kicking skills.
Georgia Flood
Club: Nambour Toads
Position: Halfback
Comments: Brings great rugby union IQ to the field and is very dangerous when playing off the back of Nambour‘s rolling momentum. Has great skills and could cover a number of positions in the backline.
Eva Johnston
Club: Nambour Toads
Position: Hooker
Comments: A player that always puts her opposition in two minds and seems to always be able to find the try line when it matters. Johnston is a well structured player that has shown growth every season.
Holly Houston
Club: Brothers
Position: Flyhalf
Comments: Lead the inaugural Brothers women’s side extremely well all season and made plenty of big plays when the team needed them. Houston exceeded expectations both on and off the field in 2023 and should continue to lift her team to bigger and better things next season.
Aimee Domio
Club: Brothers
Position: Halfback
Comments: Domio bough class and composure to the Brothers attack in 2023. Stepping up as vice-captain and proving to be a crafty halfback around the ruck.
Natasha Caplick
Club: Wynnum Bugs
Position: Fly Half
Comments: The Wynnum fly half showed quality rugby union skill and knowledge all season despite a tough run of results. Caplick was positive and showed key attributes on both sides of the ball.
TOWNSVILLE
Layla Fuiji
Club: Teachers West Bulldogs
Position: Lock
A massive standout not just because of her size. Fuiji has made a big impression on the rugby club with her running game and sure tackling, quickly becoming a key member of the team.
Madeline Mathews
Club: Brothers
Position: Fullback
An Australian touch football player has speed like no tomorrow. If she finds the ball with any space she is gone. One of Townsville’s most dangerous talents.
Julia Douglas
Club: Brothers
Position: Halfback
Douglas’ leadership is her strong suit. A competitior who knows when to run and when to pass. Her level head is a valuable tool at the base of Brothers’ fearsome backline.
Crystal-Lee Walsh
Club: Western Suburbs Dragons
Position: Halfback
Townsville’s 2023 Women’s Player of the Year was also the league’s leading pointscorer. Walsh’s physicality, determination, technical ability and skill complements her speed off the mark and ability to read a gap. As a halfback she also possesses a good instinct on where her passes need to be at any time.
Maisie Stephen
Club: Western Suburbs Dragons
Position: Prop
Townsville’s top loosehead prop gained plenty of confidence after a successful Defence Force World Cup campaign with Australia last season. The army doctor-in-training brings scrummaging ability, ball-running and tackling. When available she performed to an exceptional standard.
Zahra Shadbolt
Club: North Ward Old Boys
Position: Hooker / Utility
A dedicated youngster who travels 90 minutes each way to train twice a week and play on Saturdays. Shadbolt’s football has gone up a gear since entering the representative scene in the past 12 months. At club, Shadbolt’s versatility has seen her line up at hooker, centre and even at halfback, such was her natural ability.
Erica Schmelzer
Club: North Ward Old Boys
Position: Winger / Fullback
A year ago Schmelzer played her first game, content to use her speed on the wing but relucant to get her hands dirty tackling. In the last game of the season she made a superb cover tackle and it was like a switch flipped, said coach Chris Caleo. From that moment on Schmelzer has relished in her newfound physicality and even earned a promotion to fullback, where she serves as North Ward’s last line of defence.
Piper Godfrey
Club: Charters Towers Bullettes
Position: Winger
Represented Townsville in rugby sevens, a livewire who can make things happen on the spot.
Caitlin Holmes
Club: Burdekin Canetoads
Position: Prop
The Burdekin’s player-coach was the brightest spark in a wooden spoon outfit. Holmes would walk into the starting team of any side in the competition but stuck with the Burdekin to grow the game.
CAPRICORNIA
Alenna Whipp
Club: Frenchville
Position: Scrum half/fly half
Comment: Whipp has enjoyed another brilliant season and was an integral part of Frenchville’s rugby 7s premiership win. Blessed with a great footy brain, she is a weapon in attack and a powerhouse in defence. Will represent Queensland Country at the upcoming Queensland Women’s Challenge Series.
Shannon Bean
Club: Frenchville
Position: Wing/centre
Comment: An excitement machine who has speed and great ball skills. A great exponent of eyes-up footy. Bean is a dogged defender who never takes a backward step and is always dangerous when she injects herself into the attack. Rewarded with selection in the Queensland Country Orchids team.
Shannon Spratt
Club: Biloela
Position: Fullback
Comment: Spratt reads the game incredibly well and has the uncanny knack of always being in the right place at the right time. The exciting fullback is strong defensively and a threat whenever she chimes into the attack. Another Central Queenslander who earned Queensland Country selection.
Elly May
Club: Biloela
Position: Centre
Comment: A two-time Queensland Country representative, May is the complete package. She is an attacking weapon, determined in defence and good in the ruck. She displays great leadership qualities and her passion and love of the game inspires her teammates, who feed off her energy and enthusiasm.
Jess Johnson
Club: Rockhampton Brothers
Position: Fullback
Comment: A natural athlete who excelled in her first season playing rugby. A quick study, she was Rockhampton Brothers’ leading try scorer. Lightning fast, Johnson is hard to run down when she identifies gaps in the opposition defence. She plays what she sees in front of her and capitalises on any opportunity that presents itself.
Jenna Potgieter
Club: Rockhampton Brothers
Position: Flanker
Comment: Potgieter is an experienced player with a great understanding of the game who is solid in attack and defence. A good communicator, she is instrumental in organising the team structurally. Supportive and encouraging, she is a great mentor for the younger players and makes those around her better.
Simone Peri
Club: Colts
Position: Prop
Comment: A powerhouse prop, Peri is a tough competitor who’s always willing to do the hard yards. She has a strong running game and is hard for opposition defences to contain. Has been selected in the Queensland Country Orchids for a second time.
Chay Nikora
Club: Colts
Position: Utility
Comment: Nikora’s versatility is one of her greatest strengths and she is equally impressive playing in the forwards or the backs. She has a great fend, a penchant for hard work, and always does the little things right. An inspirational leader and great role model.
Mackay/Whitsundays
Maddy Spruce
Club: Proserpine-Whitsunday Raiders
Position: Centre
Spruce is the Raiders captain and represented the Mackay Stingers this season. The centre’s a great player that’s always putting in for the team and never stops working.
Shakaya Costello
Club: Proserpine-Whitsunday Raiders
Position: Fly-half
The versatile number 10 has represented the Mackay Stingers and also CQ Bushrangers, where she lined up as fullback. She’s hard to stop, has great vision and footwork, and is exceptional at the kick and chase. Also a wonderful creator that’s great at putting players in the hole.
Lily Sainsbury
Club: Proserpine-Whitsunday Raiders
Position: Hooker
15-year-old Sainsbury is making waves in the early days of her career, named to represent the Queensland 7s under-17 side and the under-16 Queensland Country side. Sainsbury’s a strong tackler and passer that puts in big effort and has exceptional positioning.
Deakoda Costello
Club: Proserpine-Whitsunday Raiders
Position: Centre/flanker
Deakoda, who’s the twin sister of Shakaya, possesses great game vision, ball carrying flair and dominant one-on-one tackle coverage. Was named as a shadow for the CQ Bushrangers.
Tahlia Little
Club: Slade Point
Position: Back
Little’s a talented back, but her influence also extends beyond the field at Slade Point, and she acted as a significant driving force behind the establishment of its women’s program this season.
Miranda Davidson
Club: Kuttabul
Position: Open-side flanker
Davidson is an agile and fast player with great game awareness. An all-round talent, she’s known for her leadership and was the MVP of Mackay women’s rugby in 2022. She represented the CQ Bushrangers this season.
Cierra Lewer
Club: Kuttabul
Position: Forward
Lewer represented the CQ Bushrangers recently. She’s agile, fit, a great support player, and prolific at the breakdown.
Maisha Giles
Club: Kuttabul
Position: Forward lock
A CQ Bushrangers representative, Giles is fit, a good finisher, and always finds the line.
Seraphina Dufil
Club: Slade Point
Position: Forward prop/eight
Dufil had a super CQ Bushrangers campaign, earning selection into the Queensland Country Orchids side. She’s a strong ball carrying, dominant tackler, and prolific line-breaker.
Sharne Adams
Club: Kuttabul
Position: Forward prop
Adams is known for her solid ball carrying and strong scrum-work, which saw her selected in the CQ Bushrangers side.
Bella Cain
Club: Proserpine-Whitsunday Raiders
Position: Back
A super fast player and great finisher in space, Cain was selected as a shadow for the CQ Bushrangers.
Charlotte Vigar
Position: Centre
Named as a shadow for the CQ Bushrangers, Vigar’s a strong ball carrier and great all-rounder that finds the line.
CAIRNS
Charlyn Harman
Club: Barron Trinity Bulls
Position: Hooker
Consistent and growing in experience, Harmon achieved a career highlight when she represented PNG in 2023.
Capped a big season of representative rugby, which included North Queensland honours, with a premiership at the Bulls.
Martha Nomoa
Club: Barron Trinity Bulls
Position: Utility
A powerhouse in both rugby codes, Nomoa has almost every tool at her disposal.
A crafty playmaker capable of seeing opportunities and pressing the advantage, she also has the size to absorb - and inflict - plenty of damage.
Taesha Ahwang
Club: Mudcrabs
Position: Winger
Long considered a talent to watch, Ahwang is developing into a superb flyer who can strike from anywhere.
She’s fast, has great footwork and is as elusive as they come, but she’s also a very handy defender who can do a job
Moera Blair
Club: Mudcrabs
Position: Fly-half
The experienced hand leading the Northern Beaches club into battle, Blair has been around rugby for years.
A tough footballer who uses her years of experience to lead the club she holds dear, and a calming influence on the footy field.
Steph Barns
Club: Southside
Position: Second row
The New Zealand-born, NT-raised has been playing rugby for more than a decade, and that experience along with her ability to read the game makes her a dangerous opponents.
A former two-time Queensland Orchids representative who made the NQ side in 2023, Barns has thrived in both rugby codes on the back of her physicality and strength.
Elianna Suluvale
Club: Southside
Position: Utility
Endured an injury-riddled 2023 but remains among the most determined and best dual code footballers in the region.
Suluvale, who represented Samoa last year, is a powerful ball runner with plenty of pace and an eye for space, and was rewarded with selection for Queensland Country Orchids.
Lucy Lloyd-Morgan
Club: Wanderers
Position: Winger
A game changing flyer with speed to burn and the ability to match.
Big things are tipped of Lloyd-Morgan, who is among the best finishers in the game in FNQ.
Czenzi Morris
Club: Wanderers
Position: Back-rower
A strong and consistent forward who keeps incredibly busy on the park, whether it’s for Wanderers, FNQ, NQ or Queensland Country.
Morris is a quality defender known to come up with big hits and crucial tackles, while getting through plenty of work with the ball.
Darling Downs/Toowoomba
Meg Jakins
Club: Roma Echidnas
Position: First/second receiver (7s rugby), fullback/outside centre (15-a-side)
Comment: The Queensland Orchids star is dangerous in both forms of the game. She is lightning quick, has a great step, good pass and works hard in defence. Jakins caught the eye of the Queensland Reds earlier this year and was named in their academy squad.
Taleah Ackland
Club: Toowoomba Bears
Position: Hooker/half (7s), Scrum-half/fly-half (15s)
Comment: A committed and determined player with a massive engine, good passing game and willingness to work hard in defence. The Queensland Country representative was recently selected in a Queensland Reds 15-a-side development squad.
Club: Toowoomba Bears
Position: Hooker/Centre (7s), Breakaway (15s)
Comment: Despite being just 21 years of age, Black ranks among the most experienced players in the Darling Downs rugby competition. Black is fit, good over the ball, a tough defender and has a skillset that allows her to impact games at will.
Hannah Jakins
Club: Roma Echidnas
Position: Back
Comment: Alongside sister Meg Jakins, Hannah has made her mark for Queensland Country in recent years. A great footballer with good allround skills with an ability to control the game when she is on the field.
Renee Donpon
Club: Roma Echidnas
Position: Back
Comment: Donpon is the full package. She has a massive engine, works hard and is one of the Darling Downs top tier players.
Sarah Pearce
Club: Dalby
Position: Hooker/front row
Comment: A hard working no nonsense player. Pearce has the skills to make a physical impact in any game but her biggest asset is team first mentality. She is a good leader and is the heart and soul of the teams she plays in.
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