Queensland’s best female first grade rugby league player crowned
Queensland’s best female first grade rugby league player has been crowned following an extensive search across the state. This is who the reader’s backed, plus discover who made the top 10.
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Centrals Tigers fullback Ana Malupo has only been in Townsville since the start of the year but she has already made massive waves in the rugby league community.
The teenage speed machine has been crowned Queensland’s best first grade female rugby league player.
Malupo possesses blistering pace that puts her among the game’s fastest ladies and gives her an attacking edge that caught the eye of the Cowboys.
Malupo has enjoyed a stellar year which included playing for the Townsville Blackhawks under-19s, North Queensland and the Queensland Schoolgirls, as well as reaching the state final of the NRL Schoolgirls Cup with Kirwan High.
She was recently voted by the readers of this masthead and its sister papers across Queensland as the state’s top female first grade rugby league player.
Malupo said it was an honour to see how much support had flowed in form around the country.
“It does mean a lot and I do have a lot of support from my family back in Darwin, and in Sydney and everywhere, so it really does mean a lot,” Malupo said.
“I got selected in the Cowboys academy so I decided to move for that and then I ended up playing for the Blackhawks (U19s) and NQ, and then the Queensland Schoolgirls.”
Malupo started playing rugby union through her school about four years ago before joining her family club before taking an interest in league a year later.
She also has a great record on the athletics track and recently made the North Queensland regional finals for the 400m, 200m, 100m, long jump and triple jump.
“Athletics was my first sport actually. Being fullback, you have to be pretty quick,” Malupo said.
“I love triple jump and long jump, those are two of my favourite events to do.”
Malupo said the female-led rugby league program at Kirwan High, including the support of Cowboys NRLW player China Polata, helped her take her game to the next level this season.
“It’s really different, the structure and how hard the trainings are,” she said.
“I love having China there, she’s so easy to go to and talk to whenever I need help with anything, so it’s really good having her there.
“It would be really nice to play in the NRWL, but I just want to improve in everything to become a better player and get my name out there.”
Along with Malupo, Queensland’s female first grade rugby league competitions are littered with amazing talent.
As we edge towards the end of the league season around the grounds of the Sunshine State we have moved to highlight the homegrown heroes who inspire our juniors and provide a pathway to the NRLW.
Scroll through our list of over 80 players to learn more about each and see the results of our reader’s poll for who is Queensland’s best.
TOP TEN
1. Ana Malupo (Centrals Tigers)
2. Maria Wilson (Charters Towers Miners)
3. Indianna Tillett (Kangaroos)
4. Maddison Hegarty (Norths Devils)
5. Natalia Webb (Gatton Hawks)
6. Layla Geck (Ivanhoes)
7. Mackenzie Stephens (Atherton)
8. Lyrech Mara (Townsville Brothers)
9. Emma Wood (Western Lions)
Tied 10th . Kaiyla Ward (Kangaroos), Taheisha Bulgarelli (Burdekin Roosters),Prue Peters (Rockhampton Brothers)
CAIRNS
Indianna Tillett
Club: Kangaroos
Position: Wing
Fast, agile, evasive – there’s almost no more damaging outside back in the FNQRL than the former junior touch footy representative.
Tillett, the younger sister of Cowboys NRLW star Tahlulah, is an evasive and fantastic finisher who scored nine tries throughout the 2023 campaign, and showed her smarts with several big game-changing plays through the run to the premiership.
Kaiyla Ward
Club: Kangaroos
Position: Lock/five-eighth
Ward has been among the best and most consistent talents on Far North footy fields for years.
A game-breaking forward who can play just about any role for her club side, Ward received the Rebecca Bowie Memorial Shield for Player of the Year last season.
She finished the 2023 season as the leading point-scorer and will be among the contenders for the best player of this year.
Genavie Tabuai
Club: Kangaroos
Position: Lock
A hot favourite for Player of the Year, Tabuai captained Kangaroos to the FNQRL Women’s premiership on the back of her never-say-die approach to every facet of the game.
A Cairns Foley Shield representative who has been involved in NRL’s Indigenous Women’s Academy, Tabuai is tireless on the footy field, and is always among those racking up plenty of hard-hitting hits in defence and puts her hand up for the tough runs.
All Tabuai needs is an opportunity, and when that comes, she will bang down the door.
Layla Geck
Culb: Ivanhoes
Position: Hooker
A dual-code talent through her junior years, Geck has repeatedly shown that she can be among the top No.9s in the region.
An intelligent dummy-half who can sum up the game situation and act accordingly, Geck was rewarded for her form and talent with representative honours for Cairns.
One of the rising stars of the game who is still yet to reach her ceiling, the future is bright for Geck.
Montana Mook-Kusu
Club: Ivanhoes
Position: Centre
A strong and dynamic ball carrier, Mook-Kusu is one of the leading young talents in Far North Queensland.
A former Queensland under-19s representative who was also part of the Cairns Foley Shield side, Mook-Kusu slotted into the centre position at Ivanhoes despite primarily playing in the forwards through her juniors.
An agile footballer with great footwork who is tough to tackle, Mook-Kusu could do anything with an opportunity.
Caitlin Mossman
Club: Yarrabah
Position: Prop
Mossman was among the finalists for Player of the Year honours in 2022, and it won’t surprise if she forces her way back into consideration.
The second-rower came into her own last season and this year showed the form which carried her into the awards discussion with her tough tackling, hard running and unwavering dedication to her team.
Uleta Miller
Club: Yarrabah
Position: Five-eighth
One of the senior leaders of the Yarrabah side which won its way into the FNQRL Women’s grand final, Miller steered her side around with her vision and toughness.
Always gets through plenty of work and her ability to offload makes her a fairly dangerous target when with the ball – if the tackle doesn’t stick, she’ll dispatch the defender or get the ball free.
Mackenzie Stephens
Club: Atherton
Position: Centre
A promising prospect in the outside backs, Stephens played her way into the Northern Pride’s under-19s side and showed glimpses of her best.
She scored five tries in Atherton’s successful campaign in which they finished third on the ladder, and Stephens’ great defence, speed and ability to beat defenders played a key role.
Aerielle Hobbler
Club: Atherton
Position: Lock
A goalkicking lock who takes no prisoners on either side of the ball, Hobbler is a weapon who isn’t afraid of contact.
Experienced beyond her 18 years, Hobbler is a damaging ball-runner and solid defender who has also developed the ability to lift those around her.
She was part of the Northern Pride’s U19s set-up for the past few seasons, and has previously represented Queensland Country U17s, the Gold Stars, and Australian Schoolgirls.
Tamzin Muriata
Club: Tully
Position: Hooker
The crafty No.9 finished the season as the top tryscorer with 10 meat pies, which truly demonstrated how well she uses the weapons at her disposal.
A former Cairns Foley Shield representative who helped Tully to success through their junior years, she proved she could handle the step up to senior footy this year with some outstanding performances.
Timekka Hunting
Club: Edmonton
Position: Prop
A tough, non-nonsense forward not known for taken any backwards steps, Hunting is the enforcer of this Storm outfit.
While that did land her in hot water during one fiery contest, when it’s controlled, Hunting’s aggression makes her one of the most dangerous front-rowers in the league.
Martha Nomoa
Club: Edmonton
Position: Five-eighth
A tough, goalkicking playmaker who can handle plenty of pressure from rival defences.
Nomoa is one of many players in the competition who thrives in both rugby codes courtesy of her size, kicking game and ability to steer her side around the park.
TOWNSVILLE
Ana Malupo
Club: Centrals Tigers
Position: Fullback
Making the step up to senior football, Malupo hasn’t shied away from the challenge at all, proving to be a consistent gun in Townsville’s competition. She’s solid with everything she does and has been the standout on a very good team in Centrals. Coach Scott Andrews described Malupo as a good, well-mannered kid who is always listening and is a pleasure to coach.
Emma Wood
Club: Western Lions
Position: Lock
Western Lions captain Emma Wood leads by example, proving to be a standout in a team that’s absolutely stacked with talent. While five-eighth Angela Solomon is the voice of the team, Wood is usually the player who puts it into action. Her on and off the field contributions make her a great example to teammates.
Wood can ball play, she gets physical, and she has all the attributes of a great rugby league player.
Erin McCulloch
Club: Herbert River Crushers
Position: Halves / centre
Women’s player of the carnival at the 2023 Foley Shield, McCulloch has spent some time in the centres in the back-half of this year to accommodate Cowboys NRLW players who joined the team. She has a strong running game, she’ll stay back to kick goals after training and she simply loves the game. McCulloch is co-captain of the Crushers with Paige Horvat.
Maria Wilson
Club: Charters Towers Miners
Position: Prop
Wilson was in the Townsville Blackhawks under-19s program in 2023 which helped elevate her game in club land. Wilson is a hard worker, a great trainer and a fearsome ball carrier when she takes the field. She typically plays as a prop but can cover the backrow or lock in a pinch.
Taheisha Bulgarelli
Club: Burdekin Roosters
Position: Lock
Bulgarelli has been a standout for the Burdekin Hens all year with her powerful carries and rugby league talent. She is an on-field leader that guides the way for her teammates and she’s crossed the chalk on four occasions this season.
Maddison Hegarty
Club: Norths Devils
Position:Lock / Prop
Hegarty has consistently been one of Norths’ best throughout 2023 and leads her team’s scoring (eight tries) despite playing in the front row. Hegarty is one of the competition’s toughest ball carriers and she featured in Townsville’s 2023 Foley Shield side, scoring a try in the Shield-sealing 24-10 victory over Cairns.
Lyrech Mara
Club: Townsville Brothers
Position: Prop
Already one of Townsville’s most damaging female players, Mara seems to improve with every season she plays in the senior competition. Mara makes an impact for Brothers every time she enters the field and will be a huge part of their finals campaign in 2023. Comes from a very strong rugby league family of North Queensland and has all the support around her to become a star.
MACKAY
Xanthe Topping
Club: Carltons Devils
Position: Lock
Topping made her BMD premiership debut for the Cutters this season, and has been involved in the pathways system for many years, including time spent with The Cowboys Academy in Townsville. She’s Carltons’ captain, and is one of its hardest working players.
Naomi Temby
Club: Carltons Devils
Position: Hooker
Temby’s been part of the game for many years, and her knowledge of it is second to none. She can read the game extremely well and is a hard-worker. One of her best attributes is her speed out of the hooker position, as she’s very prolific at gaining metres. Was Carltons’ coach for the previous two seasons. Has previously represented Queensland, North Queensland, and the Indigenous All Stars.
Emily Bella
Club: Sarina Crocs
Position: Half-back
Has featured for the Cutters at BMD Premiership level this season, and also cracked the Queensland Women’s Under-19 State of Origin side. Coach James Tapim described her as electric, with really good knowledge, and hard as a rock.
Vanique Malayta
Club: Sarina Crocs
Position: Lock/front-rower
Malayta is another player to have represented the Cutters at BMD level this season. She has very good ball handling skills, is a strong runner who can break the line often, and is capable of shutting down big players in defence.
Chelsea McLeod
Club: Mackay Brothers
Position: Front-rower
McLeod’s been “tearing a lot of forward packs in Mackay apart,” said Brothers co-coach Jermaiah Hutchinson. At 18 years of age, McLeod was a part of the Cutters under-19 side this season, and was also selected in the Confraternity Shield Merit side having represented St Pat’s.
Gracie Watt
Club: Mackay Brothers
Position: Second-rower
Another St Pat’s schoolgirl, Watt also selected the Confraternity Merit side, and has been involved with the Cutters under-19s. She’s a very dominant second-rower who runs strong lines and is solid in defence.
Krissy Vaalepu
Club: Moranbah Miners
Position: Front-rower
Vaalepu’s the leader of Moranbah’s forward pack, and has been a consistent threat for the Miners all season in both attack and defence.
Jasmine Walters
Club: Moranbah Miners
Position: Hooker
Walters is a tough defender who always competes, and is capable of playing big minutes week in, week out.
Zoe Cook
Club: Mackay Magpies
Position: Second-rower
A very handy player, it’s unsurprising to find Zoe Cook’s on this list. The back-rower represents the Cutters in the BMD Premiership and has also played under-19 Origin for Queensland. She’s only 21 years of age now, but is already a leader in the Magpies team.
Azmin Brice
Club: Mackay Magpies
Position: Front-rower
A rock of the Magpies side, Brice is only 22 years of age, and plays well above her weight. She has representative experience growing up, having featured for the NQ Marlins and Cutters. Took on the role of matchwinner at the weekend in the Magpies’ come-from-behind 26-20 elimination semi-final triumph over Sarina, crossing the stripe for the deciding try.
ROCKHAMPTON
Bree Spreadborough
Club: Rockhampton Brothers
Position: Centre/winger
Comments: A talented outside back, Spreadborough is one of the strongest and fastest kick returners in the women’s game. A consistent performer for the CQ Capras in the BMD Premiership, her attacking flair is matched by her hard-hitting defence. Has been a valuable member of the Rockhampton Brothers senior women’s team, this year captaining them to their fourth straight local premiership.
Sarah Field
Club: Emu Park
Position: Hooker
Comments: An experienced BMD Premiership player and two-time Indigenous All Stars representative, Field is a gifted footballer with a thorough understanding of the game. Has a high work rate, a strong kicking game, and her communication and game management are outstanding. Possesses creativity and vision in attack and defensively, is very strong and loves to tackle.
Tarni Smith
Club: Emu Park
Position: Forward
Comments: A hard-working forward who makes her presence felt in defence and attack. Always gives 100 percent, never shying away from hard work which helps drive her teammates. Has had an exceptional 2023 season, representing the Rocky Rustlers and playing for the CQ Capras this year.
Mikayla Roe
Club: Fitzroy/Gracemere
Position: Front row
Comments: Played with the CQ Capras in the BMD Premiership. Roe is one of those players who leads by example, inspiring her teammates with her efforts. She is a strong ball-carrying forward who always finds space to offload. Works hard in defence and possesses great mental toughness.
Gracie Popp
Club: Fitzroy/Gracemere
Position: Five-eighth
Comments: Popp is becoming a line breaker as she uses her quick play ability to shift the ball fast. Her eagerness to learn and master her role means she is improving with every game. After injury sidelined Fitzroy/Gracemere’s captain Akayla McQuire for the season, Popp stepped up, eager to shoulder some of the leadership responsibilities.
Prue Peters
Club: Rockhampton Brothers
Position: Forward
Comments: Peters’ running game combined with her ball-playing ability make her extremely dangerous for the opposition. She is capable of scoring tries as well as creating them with her deft passing and quick play the ball. Always looks to lift her teammates. Played with Wynnum Manly who were runners-up in the BMD Premiership.
Nakita Rhind
Club: Wallabys
Position: Hooker
Comments: The heart and soul of Wallaby Women’s A-grade team, Rhind is ferocious in defence and has sublime ball skills with the ability to read defences well. Darting from dummy half has left many teams defences fractured this year. Her will to win on every play, every moment is what sets her apart from the rest.
Rikarra Benjamin
Club: Wallabys
Position: Second row
Comment: Benjamin is a natural football talent. She was the highest try scorer in the Rockhampton Rugby League women’s competition this year. Her ability to read the game is second to none, she is defensively strong and her hard running lines make her a nightmare for opposition defences. Has enjoyed her best season to date.
Sharni Upton
Club: Yeppoon
Position: Prop/halfback
Comments: An experienced player who has BMD Premiership experience and has been around the Rockhampton Rugby League for a number of years. A hard-running prop, Upton is also a talented ball player. She is the type of player who makes those around her want to be better. Always reliable in both defence and attack.
Meg McKellar
Club: Yeppoon
Position: Five-eighth
Comments: Made a big impression in her first year in the Rockhampton Rugby League senior women’s competition. Solid in defence, she can always produce a decent kick out of trouble. Has plenty of potential and a big future in the game.
Krystal Sulter
Club: Tannum Sands
Position: Halfback, wing
Comments: A tough-as-nails player who gives it her all every time she takes the field. Sulter’s never-say-die attitude and incredible work ethic make her a role model for her Tannum Sands and CQ Capras teammates. She is a good communicator, has great vision and a positive attitude which helps lift those around her.
Jessica Rogers
Club: Tannum Sands
Position: Five-eighth
Comments: One of the game’s brightest prospects, Rogers delivers in attack and defence and loves to let her footy do the talking. She is the complete package and has all the skills required to take her a long way in the game. She loves the contest, never takes a backward step and is a real team player.
Mookie House
Club: Norths
Position: Hooker
Comments: House combines a deft passing game and clever kicking with electric acceleration. Despite her size, she consistently leads the tackle count and no opponent is too big. Provided great direction and leadership in a new-look Norths side.
Hayley Starr
Club: Norths
Position Fullback
Comments: New to the number one jersey in 2023, Starr had an outstanding season, earning her maiden Rockhampton rep jersey. Her blinding speed makes her a constant threat in attack and her no-fear attitude in defence sees her putting her body on the line time and again.
GOLD COAST
Rona Peters
Club: Runaway Bay
Position: Hooker
The runaway bay skipper has a wealth of experience including New Zealand and Queensland appearances. When she isn’t representing her state or country, veteran Peters is guiding the younger generation in this Runaway Bay team as well as the Tweed BMD Premiership side.
Azariah Wallace
Club: Currumbin Eagles
Position: Second rower
A Burleigh Bears representative forward, Wallace is a terrific prospect who has a knack for finding the try line.
She can prove unstoppable at times.
Forward back buddies Grace Granville and Montana Clifford are also quality
Caitlyn Ah-Fook
Club: Nerang Roosters
Position: Second rower
The Roosters winger is a classy player who represented the Tweed Seagulls BMD Premiership side earlier in the year.
Jean-Shannel Robati
Club: Ormeau Shearers
Position: wing
Robati, the Shearers’ Best and Fairest in season 2022, is a passionate player who thrives on a the challenge and physical contact.
Her versatility in being able to fill a range of positions from second row to centre and prop to hooker would be welcomed by any team on earth.
She wears her heart on her sleeve every time she set foot on the field.
Sienna Laing
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Winger
Comment: Laing is new to the Queensland jersey, making her debut against NSW in 2023. The winger is yet to take the field for the Gold Coast Titans, but was an integral part of the Bears successful BMD Premiership season. Her talent comes as no surprise, since she is the daughter of Wests Magpies ARL star Aseri Laing.
Zahara Temara
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Five-eighth
Comment: Temara was another key in the Burleigh Bears’ cog this BMD Premiership season, kicking four from four conversions in the grand final and lifting the trophy as captain. The 26-year-old currently plays halfback for the Canberra Raiders women’s NRL side.
Rilee Jorgensen
Club: Burleigh Bears
Position: Second rower
Comment: Jorgensen is a coast girl through-and-through. After a stella campaign for Burleigh in the 2023 BMD premiership, she debuted for the Gold Coast Titans in round two of the 2023 NRL women’s season. The young gun was also a member of this year’s Queensland Under-19s women’s State of Origin side.
SUNSHINE COAST
Ella-J Harris
Club: Caloundra Sharks
Position: Lock
Comments: Harris has been a standout player on the Sunshine Coast for a number of seasons now and no matter what’s thrown in front of her she seems to overcome it with ease. She’s a standout ball-playing forward that brings plenty of composure to the Sharks.
Makayla Henry
Club: Caloundra Sharks
Position: Five-eight
Comments: With a background in oztag and rugby union, Henry has applied her skills and attacking flair to rugby league this season. Whether it’s at fullback, out wide or in the halves Henry is a dangerous player that often puts the opposition defence in two minds.
Tyla Mitchell
Club: Kawana Dolphins
Position: Second Row
Comments: The former Caloundra Sharks and cross-code star has been a menace once again for the Kawana forward pack this season. After representing the Capras earlier in the year, Mitchell has shown her growth of skills and rugby league IQ as the Dolphins push into finals.
Ellie Williamson
Club: Kawana Dolphins
Position: Halfback
Comments: Is just an all round exciting player that has let her skills with the footy do the talking this season. With ease Williamson can create opportunities for those around her.
Emmogen Taumafai
Club: Caboolture Snakes
Position: Prop
Comments: Is a damaging prop forward that brings a lot of quality to her side and plenty of fear from the opposition. When she has the chance to link up with her twin sister Tamzin, the pair just can’t be contained.
Latisha Hoek
Club: Caboolture Snakes
Position: Five-eight
Comments: Has skyrocketed her game to another level this season, leading the Sunshine Coast competition for most points and continues to climb the try scorers leaderboard. Starting her career on the wing, Hoek has honed her playmaking skills which has seen her excel in the middle of the park.
Amy Atkinson
Club: Gympie Devils
Position: Second Row
Comments: Despite a tough season Atkinson has stood tall once again for the Devils and shown her class on the field. She commands plenty of respect for the opposition and her teammates at all times.
Caitlin Sing
Club: Gympie Devils
Position: Five-eight
Comments: Has strung together what can only be classed as an ‘outstanding’ season for the Devils, despite their tough run of results. Sing’s would be circled by opposition coaches each week as teams try to limit her involvement and impact as much as possible.
Ruojzharna ‘RJ’ Richardson
Club: Beerwah Bulldogs
Position: Wing/Fullback
Comments: Richardson was awarded with representative honours this season after showcasing her electric feet and attacking flair.
Reegan Hicks
Club: Beerwah Bulldogs
Position: Fullback
Comments: Has simply lit the competition on fire this season from the back, scoring the most tries (15) and sitting inside the top five for total points. The 17-year-old was also selected in the Queensland and Australian Open Schoolgirls team and is definitely a player to keep a close eye on.
A’Eisha Jeffs
Club: Nambour Crushers
Position: Five-eight/lock
Comments: Jeffs has been a standout player for the Crushers for a number of years running. Her rugby league knowledge and ball playing skills as a mobile forward is a key reason she’s well respected by her teammates and opposition players.
Emily Garrett
Club: Noosa Pirates
Position: Second Row
Comments: Selection in the Central Crows squad this season has cemented Garrett’s ability and confidence at the top. It’s evident in the way she performed this season that she has grown immensely in confidence and causes plenty of headaches for the opposition defensive line.
Kat Anderson
Club: Noosa Pirates
Position: Halfback
Comments: The Pirates captain and playmaker has once again put her forward as a top contender for the best and fairest title in 2023. Her enthusiasm, grit and skill go a long way for her side.
TOOWOOMBA
Sarah Hoger
Club: Gatton Hawks
Position: Centre
Making the switch to the centres this season has not slowed the Hawks flyer down. Hoger is the TRLW’s leading point scorer having racked up 104 points to date - nearly a quarter of the total points Gatton scored in the regular season. Hoger’s accuracy off the kicking tee could be the difference maker in finals with 76 of her points coming off the boot. Hoger is a naturally gifted and determined player who commits 100 per cent to every week.
Natalia Webb
Club: Gatton Hawks
Position: Fullback
Since making the switch to Gatton last season Webb has been of the TRLW’s brightest stars. The fleet-footed back is elusive with the ball in hand and can turn the slightest of gaps into a length of the field try in the blink of an eye. The blisteringly quick fullback has scored 23 tries this season - nearly double the amount she scored in 2022. When Webb is on song Gatton are nearly impossible to beat.
Clarrisa Janes
Club: Oakey Bears
Position: Centre
The talented centre loves to get her hands on the ball and when she does it often with a try. Janes has scored 18 tries this season, second only to Gatton’s Natalia Webb, and has played a huge role in Oakey’s success to date. She a great two-way player with the skills and determination to make a difference in attack and defence.
Antonia Vito
Club: Oakey Bears
Position: Centre
In a strange twist of fate, Vito and teammate Clarrisa Janes have the exact number of points (72) and tries (18) this season. Vito is a try-scoring threat anytime she has the ball in her hands.
Katelyn Anderson
Club: Newtown Lions
Position: Second Row
Anderson is a game-changing lock thanks to her ability to seemingly break the defensive line at will with a typical hard run. Lions leading points and try scorer this season with 10 tries for 40 points, can always be relied on to make the tough runs when needed and step up in defence.
Aleah Peckham
Club: Newtown Lions
Position: Halfback
The crafty playmaker has played a pivotal role in Newtown’s attack this season - expertly steering the team round the park after joining the Lions in round 6. Peckham has also chipped in with a few tries crossing the line 9 times in 8 games.
BRISBANE
Helen Uitualagi
Club: Beenleigh Pride
Position: Wing
She was from the Seagulls heartland of the Capalaba Warriors and starred for the City under 19s last season.
A centre or winger, the Beenleigh and Wynnum-Manly Harvey 19s young gun is fast, and plays above her weight.
Uitualagi has no self preservation thoughts coming into contact and goes hard at the defender.
Koolee Harbour
Club: Beenleigh Pride
Position: Five-eighth
A hard-worker with great talent.
She gives everything she’s got and always puts the team first – which is what became apparent earlier in the year when she played for Wynnum-Manly in the Harvey 19s competition.
Hayley Bush
Club: Beenleigh Pride
Position: Halfback
Bush is a versatile talent who can play in the halves but also in the forward pack, where she was damaging for the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls earlier in the year.
She has a mixed bag.
Jayda Lofipo
Club: Beenleigh Pride
Position: prop
Comment: Somewhat of an unsung hero, Marsden SHS old girl Jayda is a nononense prop who teammates can rely on on both sides of the ball.
She is a BMD Premiership grand finalist with the Seagulls and has plenty of experience.
Alyssa McCarthy
Club: Beenleigh Pride
Position: second rower
The back rower had a great Harvey Norman under 19s season before mixing it with the best in the BMD Premiership. She was then rewarded with selection in the Queensland Under 19s team.
A staple in any forward pack, Marsden SHS’ McCarthy leads from the front with maximum effort and charging carries up the middle.
Cecilia Smith
Club: Goodna Eagles
Position: centre
Are we looking at the best player on this list? Wallaroos star Smith would have to be close. A single mum, Smith represents the Wallaroos, the premiership winning Eagles who won the title at the weekend and the grand final bound Sunnybank Dragons who were minor premiers in the Queensland Premier Rugby competition.
She is elite with a capital E.
Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa
Club: Goodna Eagles
Position: halfback
The Ipswich SHS student is a thrill a minute halfback who can pull miracle plays out of nowhere.
She is in under the guidance of rugby league great Veronica White at Ipswich SHS, as well as at the Ipswich Jets – and played the crucial postiton of halfback in Goodna’s premiership winning Holcim Cup team this season.
Fuatino Ah-Him
Club: Goodna Eagles
Position: prop
Fuatino Ah-Him is a young front rower who has gone from strength to strength in 2023. Starting out in the Wynnum-Manly Harvey 19s team this year she was a revelation and now she is.a premiership winner with the Goodna Eagles.
Her extra efforts are what wins games.
Tayla Sykes
Club: Valleys
Position: Fullback
Verstalite back Sykes not only has great IQ but she has a signature step, which, when followed by her fast pace, makes her lethal.
Can play positions one through seven.
Skyla Adams
Club: Valleys
Position: Halfback
From the Nerang Roosters via Keebra Park SHS, and now at Valleys, Adams is a glorious young talent with time and plenty of it.
She is a lovely ball playing halve who puts players into gaps, while also challenging the line with her own fleet-a-foot forays.
Played fullback for the premiership winning Bond University side that won the Queensland Premier Women rugby competition last year.
Grace Giampino
Club: Valleys
Position: Lock
Lock Giampino was a front row sensation for the Norths Devils Harvey 19s with her strong first up contact in defence and powerful ball running.
She is the type of leader everyone will follow and it helps that she has a habit for scoring the ball.
Very stong.
Trinity Maree-Jackson
Club: Valleys
Position: Prop
A gutsy forward who will do whatever she can for the team. Tough as teak, the Redcliffe Dolphins Harvey 19s representative bolsters this promising Valleys side stacked with young talent.
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Revealed: 120+ sports stars of the southeast
The new year looms, and athletes have already begun their prep for season 2025. From the track to the pool and everywhere in between, these are the 120+ southeast Queensland young guns you must watch and why. Full list:
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Revealed: Gold Coast’s top 10 sports clubs of 2024
From threepeats to shattering longstanding premiership droughts and producing generation next, plenty of Gold Coast sports clubs stood tall in 2024. See the best of the best here.
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