Broncos sign Teitzel as Gold Stars duo snapped up for NRLW
The decision to suit up for the six-week Holcim Cup was crucial to Innisfail’s Romy Teitzel earning a NRLW contract.
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The decision to suit up for the six-week Holcim Cup was crucial to Innisfail’s Romy Teitzel earning a NRLW contract.
North Queensland Gold Stars duo Teitzel and Shaniah Power were this week revealed to have picked up deals to play in the upcoming NRLW.
Teitzel has signed Brisbane, while Power will line up for the Warriors.
Cowboys Elite Pathways Coach and Gold Stars’ director of coaching Ben Jeffries has seen both players develop into top-tier talent.
While they have long shown they had the talent to make it to the elite level, Jeffries said the decision to play for West Brisbane Panthers in the short competition played a major role in their securing of NRLW deals.
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“It took them way out of their comfort zone but I knew their football would shine through when it mattered,” he said.
“The went down there to get more experience and to put themselves in the frame for NRLW and Origin. Now they’ve ticked one of those boxes, they can target the other.
“Shaniah was in and out through injury but they both played plenty of games during that competition.
“(Their success) inspires the other girls in the Academy. It proves if you’re willing to put in the work and put yourself out there, you will be noticed.”
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Jeffries, who is also well-trenched in Queensland’s women’s Origin system, said the duo’s success was an example of why the Cowboys Female Academy was formed.
The Academy caters to talented young women from Cairns to Mackay, but has a clear focus on developing the basic skills of the game.
“You can see the difference in players who have those basic skills downpat,” he said.
“But that’s why we focus so much on the skills at the Academy.
“It gives them a smoother transition from club land to the higher level. They get to understand the structures.
“The sky’s the limit for them.”
Brisbane will play the Warriors at Canberra’s GIO Stadium on Saturday, but both Teitzel and Power have been named as reserves.
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
Originally published as Broncos sign Teitzel as Gold Stars duo snapped up for NRLW