Beardmore battles floods to ensure CQ jersey

FLOODWATERS weren’t enough to stop Reeghyn Beardmore on her journey towards the QRL statewide competition.

Reeghyn Beardmore during a CQ Capras trial. Photo: Jann Houley

RUGBY LEAGUE: Not even floodwaters have been able to stop Reeghyn Beardmore from doing everything in her powers to cement a Central Queensland Capras jersey.

The former Valleys Roosters utility has taken every opportunity put in front of her as she primes herself for a round one berth in the QRL’s first ever statewide women’s competition, the BHP Premiership.

After lining up at halfback in the club’s first trial, she was again named in the seven jersey for their next fixture against North Queensland.

Her spot looked in danger, with Beardmore stranded at her family’s property in St George as the Balonne River flooded.

Beardmore was determined not to miss out on her last chance to impress coaching staff, launching an extraordinary effort to get to Rockhampton for the trial.

“Working as a NRL development officer, I travel back and forth between Toowoomba and St George,” she said.

“I try and give a hand on the family farm when I can, they’ve had a pretty bad drought like a lot of other families in the region.

“Before that weekend I headed out home to give them a hand with mustering and the bridge was flooded in St George.

“I thought it would drop before the weekend of the trial. It didn’t, and I had to get the SES to get a lift across the river to eventually get up to Rocky.

“I texted our coach to see if someone could pick me up from the airport, and a few of the girls were waiting with floaties and signs.”

Reeghyn Beardmore being helped by the SES during the St George floods. Photo: Contributed

Beardmore’s travels from Toowoomba to Brisbane before flying to Rockhampton are a common trend in the squad, with players coming from as far as Longreach to represent the Capras.

As she now focuses on the year ahead, the 19-year-old is finding her feet in a squad loaded with talent, including Brisbane Broncos players Chelsea Baker and Tamika Upton.

“I’ve played with a fair number of the girls through the Central Crows,” she said.

“While I’m working on my game as a halfback, I’m still learning how to direct a team and to get us on the front foot.

“Knowing these girls and having them around really helps.

“I’ve been able to learn a lot so far from the coaches and my teammates.

“I’m trying to improve my game to be able to stand up and lead the team.”

Killarney’s Steph Hancock will also feature in the inaugural season of the BHP Premiership when lining up for the Souths Logan Magpies.

Beardmore and the Capras take on the Easts Tigers in the first round in Brisbane this weekend, while Hancock and the Magpies will travel to Tweed to take on the Seagulls to start the season.

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