Unlikely rival to save women’s footy on Gold Coast

NSW shapes as the savour of the Queensland women’s footy season, with Burleigh players likely to head south in search of games should action get back underway.

NSW shapes as the savour of the Queensland women’s footy season, with Burleigh players likely to head south in search of games should action get back underway.

The coronavirus lockdown has left a shortfall of action north of the border, with statewide competitions – such as the inaugural QRLW – already done and dusted.

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NSW are yet to make such a sacrifice, meaning players from Burleigh, and possibly Tweed, could go on the hunt for minutes.

“NSW haven’t cancelled their competitions,” Bears coach Tahnee Norris said.

“That could be a chance for those girls – they could be looking for games and I’m pretty sure a lot of our girls would go down to play.”

Burleigh women's players Amber Pilley, Tallisha Harden and Zahara Temara . Picture: Jerad Williams

With seven players – and possibly more soon – locked into NRLW contracts, Norris lamented the loss of opportunity for emerging talents.

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“The hard part is knowing whether the NRLW is going to happen,” she said, with the four-team league due to start in September.

“It depends on where you’re at in your career too. Some of these girls have made a name for themselves and they can get back to being fully fit (in this break).

“For the younger players they haven’t got to that level yet and I know a few of the Burleigh girls are just on the cusp.

“Now they might not get seen this year.”

Bears and NRLW talents Chelsea Lenarduzzi (ankle), Millie Boyle (neck) and Amber Pilley (knee) are among those who have taken the chance to undergo surgery or hasten their rehab.