South Eastern club’s first female teams proving tough contenders in inaugural season

THE South Eastern Seagulls under-16s are the first all-female team to take to the field in the rugby league club’s 60 year history — and just six games in, they’re doing everyone proud.

South Eastern Seagulls Rugby League club are fielding three girls' teams in this year's inaugural year of female competition. Picture: Danny Aarons.

THE South Eastern Seagulls under-16s are the first all-female team to take to the field in the rugby league club’s 60 year history — and just six games in, they’re doing everyone proud.

The team swapped their traditional red for pink for the trip across Botany Bay to take on southern rivals Cronulla Caringbah in their inaugural match on April 22, where they started fast and built a comfortable halftime lead.

While the Sharks put on a few late tries, the South Eastern girls held on to take the points in an entertaining 44-32 victory — and have only lost one match since.

“They just love rugby league” - The South Eastern Seagulls Rugby League Club players and coaches are enjoying success on the field in their inaugural year of competition. Picture: Danny Aarons.

“One of the dads who coaches a boys’ team came up with the idea of having an all-girls team — we just wanted to give them the opportunity,” coach Matt Williamson said.

“They just love sport — a few of them want to play representative rugby league, while for others it’s more social — it’s good to have that mix.”

The side is made up of 15 and 16 year olds who played junior rugby league with the boys until the maximum age of 12, along with players who have backgrounds in OzTag, touch football and rugby.

The female teams in training at Pioneers Park, Malabar. Picture: Danny Aarons.

Williamson said the team, who are this week’s Local Sports Stars nominees in the Junior Sports Star Team category, show skill and dedication beyond their years.

“They’re a fantastic group, they’re all super nice and really committed ... even those who are injured will come down to the field and want to get back on.

“They want to learn and get stuck in with each other ... in terms of energy they’re different to the boys, they’re very social and noisy before games and want to be around each other.

“That positive energy really translates onto the field.”

“Their positive energy translates onto the field.” Picture: Danny Aarons.

Many of the players have come from rugby, OzTag and touch football backgrounds. Picture: Danny Aarons.

The Seagulls also has an under-18s all-female side in the competition this year, with many of them having played in the Tarsha Gale Cup competition for South Sydney Juniors.

Williamson said many of his players were headed in the same direction, with dreams of one day playing at representative level.

“I wholeheartedly believe if girls weren’t part of the code, it would fall behind the other sports,” he said.

“Some people have asked why we put an all-female team together — if they didn’t want to play they wouldn’t turn up.

“It’s great to be teaching them, not only for the love of the game, but in terms of life skills and being part of the community.”