Sienna-Estelle Burraston creates history for Sydney South West at NSW PSSA Championships

Sienna-Estelle Burraston etched her name into the rugby league history books after impressing against the boys at the NSW PSSA Championships. Hear from the 12yo star aiming for big things in sport.

Sienna-Estelle Burraston impressed for Sydney South West. Pictures: Contributed

History was made at the NSW PSSA Open Championships in Wagga last week, with a young star on the rise etching her name into the record books.

Following an incredible showing for the victorious Sydney South West team, Sienna-Estelle Burraston became the first ever girl to be chosen in the NSW PSSA development squad, with the chance to go on and represent her state in Queensland.

It’s a tremendous accolade for the young sporting star studying at Bradbury Public School, playing in the second row against the boys and coming out with a spot at the St Gregory’s development camp.

“I was very happy when I found out,” she said.
“It was pretty exciting and I was shocked. It was tough out there but I tried my best.”

Burraston is a multi-sport star, having made the state team for AFL, and competing in rugby and athletics as well.

Sydney South West player Sienna-Estelle Burraston was chosen in the NSW PSSA Development Squad. Picture: Contributed

Father Rhett Burraston said the entire family was extremely proud of what his daughter has been able to achieve.

“Her nan and aunties came down as well as her little brother and cousins,” he said.

“She’s a very humble, hardworking girl. Her attitude is infectious and wherever she goes, teammates love her.

“When they called her name the whole crowd went off. It’s pretty inspiring; she’s got a big heart and when she wants to do something, she’s not going to let a bunch of boys stop her.”

Rhett said while the weekend schedules are packed with sporting commitments, the family wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s an investment in her. Regardless if she makes the elite level or not, what you get out of sport is incredible,” he said.

“It’s a big part of childhood and so are those memories. The weekends can be full on, but whenever there’s a bye or washout, we’re lost without it.”

As for the future, Sienna-Estelle is aiming high, and considering the 12-year-old is already playing up in the U14s for Eagle Vale St Andrews, who’s to say she can’t get there.

“I want to play for Australia, go to the Olympics in Rugby Sevens and play in the NRLW.”

Bradbury PS principal Michelle Lester was full of praise for her school captain and the impact she has both on and off the field.

“She is a proud Aboriginal girl who is a strong role model for future female athletes. Sienna-Estelle demonstrates pride and has a deep understanding of her culture,” she said.

“She was instrumental in developing our personal acknowledgement of country by working closely with our community elders to ensure that the process was authentic.

:Since a young age Sienna-Estelle has taken mentoring roles, around developing cultural knowledge as the role of Junior Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group Representative at the school. She is an outstanding supporter of our students across a variety of sporting fields.”

Sydney South West finished first at the NSW PSSA Rugby League Championships in Wagga. Picture: Contributed

SYDNEY SOUTH WEST CLAIMS TOP GONG

Sydney South West is the toast of the state following a successful campaign at the NSW PSSA Open Championships in Wagga.

With 13 teams vying for the crown, an unbeaten run through the three days lead the Sydney-based team to the title.

In the final on Thursday, they prevailed over Sydney West to the tune of 18-10.

“It was a good final with Sydney South West defeating Sydney West, and Sydney North defeating Huter for third spot,” convener Les Daley said.

“The facilities at McDonald Park are great and the playing surface was terrific on both fields. It was very cold, but we received great support from the local clubs.

“The winners gelled well, but so did a lot of teams. Riverina had a couple of wins and got better as the carnival went on.”

A squad of 34 was chosen to go into a development camp at St Gregory’s, with places on the line for the final NSW team to compete at the nationals.

“We’re happy with the mixture of players selected in the development squad, and they’ll come into camp,” Daley said.

“They built memories during the week and were exposed to a variety of skill levels they don’t normally come up against on the weekend.

“The camp at St Gregory’s will build on that and continue to teach resilience.”

Sydney North finished third at the NSW PSSA Rugby League Championships in Wagga. Picture: Contributed

NSW PSSA DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

Urijah Brown Greenway Park PS Sydney South West

Malachi Mataele Hilltop Road PS Sydney West

George Abou-Arrage Christian Brothers Lewisham Mackillop

Evanda-Brooklyn Phillipo-Ulugia Holly Family Emerton Mackillop

Jayden Xerri Bennet Road PS Sydney West

Le-Vaughn Stanley-Ligaiviu Belmore South PS Sydney East

Pax Caine Burraneer Bay PS Sydney East

Lochie Schumacher Burraneer Bay PS Sydney East

Sharn Eppiha Wilberforce PS Sydney West

Thiago Mironow St Mary PS Sydney West

Bill Holden St Matthews, Mudgee Polding

Xavier Hunt Bellbird PS Hunter

Soakimi Latu St Claire PS Sydney West

Beau Fletcher Bass Hill PS Sydney West

Leeroi Stokes St Philomena’s Primary, Moree Polding

Wendall Wilhelmus Glendore PS Hunter

Lennox Laupepa Thomas Acres PS Sydney South West

Eli McKwen Shortlands PS Hunter

Beau Hobbs Copacabana PS Sydney North

Taten Rogers Narrabeen Lakes PS Sydney North

Jaewaan McDonald Manning Gardens PS Hunter

Jax Burgess Beerima PS South Coast

Ariki Wihongi Manly West PS Sydney North

Max Isreal St Aiden’s Maroubra Junction Mackillop

Austin Willis St Johns The Baptist, Woy Woy Polding

Nixon Stammer East Maitland PS Hunter

Aydne Hancock Nuwarra PS Sydney South West

Joshua Ray Mount Annan PS Sydney South West

John Fetalaigai Bennet Road PS Sydney West

Nelly Heather Bankstown PS Sydney South West

Sienna-Estelle Burraston Bradbury PS Sydney South West

Kalani Gasnier Avalon PS Sydney North

Tyler Johnson Lambtin PS Hunter

Coach: Martin Fields Woolooware PS

Manager: Andrew Hooper Emu Heights PS

The young NSW elite talent and past NRL stars that have come through the NSW PSSA Championships. Picture: Contributed

EVENT PREVIEW

It’s an event has played host to some of the biggest names the game has ever seen, and now the next crop of NSW’s rugby league stars are set to shine.

The NSW PSSA Open Championships take place in Wagga from 20-22 June, with the state’s best 12-year-old male talent descending on the Riverina.

“These are the best 12 year olds in the state,” NSW PSSA rugby league convener Les Daley said.

“We have the South Coast going down as far as the border, North West stretching as far as Glen Innes, Armidale and Cobar, and the Western Region covering Mudgee, Bathurst and Lightning Ridge.”

With 13 teams represented, over 250 boys will have the chance to put their best foot forward with the end goal the chance to secure a New South Wales jersey and a trip to Townsville for the nationals later this year.

“We’ll select a combined squad of 34 from the U11s and Opens competitions,” Daley said.

“They’ll be taken to St Gregory’s and immersed in sill development, introduced to team patterns and coached at an elite level.

“From there 17 will be chosen to go away and compete in Townsville at the Australian School Championships.”

While skill is a big factor in determining the squad, Daley said attitude and application were also key to making the coaches take notice.

“We’re looking at kids that have the potential, a positive attitude, and kids we think we can develop into a stronger player,” he said.

“We look for kids that have great sportsmanship. We don’t pick players that don’t adhere to being a good sportsman on and off the field.

“This is also about providing lifelong memories and friendships. For some it can be a platform to open up future opportunities, but the week is about enjoyment.

“Rod Wishart spoke at a dinner about the day he represented NSW. He made a tackle on a massive Queenslander, and that was the moment he thought he might be good enough.”

This event in the past has seen some huge names come through and go on to represent their state.

However Daley said missing out on selection wasn’t the end of the world, with a Blues icon a testament to that.

“We saw Todd Carney and Reece Williams come through the South Coast,” he said.

“Blake Green, Joseph Sua’ali’i, Braith Anasta, Keith Galloway, Craig Wing, Anthony and Mark Minichiello and Mark Gasnier have all come through.

“We often tell the story about a player who didn’t have their name called out, and went on to captain at State of Origin level, and that’s Steve Mortimer.”

NSW PSSA OPENS CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

DAY ONE - TUESDAY 20 JUNE

9:00am Hunter vs South Coast

9:00am Sydney West vs CIS

9:45am Sydney East vs North Coast

9:45am Polding vs Riverina

10:30am Sydney South West vs Sydney North

10:30am Mackillop vs Western

11:15am South Coast vs North West

11:15am Hunter vs Sydney West

12:00pm CIS vs Sydney East

12:00pm Riverina vs Sydney North

12:45pm Polding vs Mackillop

12:45pm North Coast vs Hunter

1:30pm Sydney South West vs Western

1:30pm Sydney East vs North West

2:15pm Sydney West vs South Coast

2:15pm Sydney North vs Mackillop

3:00pm Polding vs Western

3:00pm CIS vs North Coast

DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE

8:30am South Coast vs Sydney East

8:30am Hunter vs CIS

9:15am Mackillop vs Sydney South West

9:15am North Coast vs Sydney West

10:00am Riverina vs Western

10:00am Sydney North vs Polding

10:45am South Coast vs CIS

10:45am North West vs Hunter

11:30am Sydney East vs Sydney West

12:15pm Mackillop vs Riverina

12:15pm Sydney South West vs Polding

1:00pm North West vs CIS

1:00pm North Coast vs South Coast

1:45pm Sydney North vs Western

1:45pm Hunter vs Sydney East

2:30pm Sydney South West vs Riverina

2:30pm North West vs Sydney West

DAY THREE - THURSDAY 22 JUNE

8:30am North West vs North Coast

10:10am 1st Pool A vs 2nd Pool B

10:10am 1st Pool B vs 2nd Pool A

11:00am 7th Pool A vs Invitational Team

11:00am 6th Pool A vs 6th Pool B

11:40am 5th Pool A vs 5th Pool B

11:40am 4th Pool A vs 4th Pool B

12:20pm 3rd Pool A vs 3rd Pool B

1:00pm Defeated semi finalist vs Defeated semi finalist

1:40pm Winner semi vs Winner semi