Aerielle Hobbler’s inspiration in her Queensland league debut

Mareeba rising star Aerielle Hobbler believes she will have the support of her biggest fan when she wears the maroon of Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

AERIELLE Hobbler believes she will have the support of her biggest fan when she wears the maroon of Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

The rising star will represent Queensland in the first Australian 16-18 years schoolgirls rugby league clash on Wednesday, capping a meteoric rise to a “life-defining” opportunity in the interstate arena.

She’s won a Cairns District Rugby League Women’s premiership with powerhouse Kangaroos, played for the Northern Pride’s under-19s team for the past two seasons, and earned a BMD Premiership debut with the North Queensland Gold Stars.

Kangaroos' Aerielle Hobbler. Picture: Brendan Radke

She played the first four games for the Gold Stars, starting once at prop with the other three off the bench.

North Queensland went on to win the premiership.

And through it all, Hobbler, better known as “May May”, has played with her late mother, Cindy Quarry, holding her hand - and offering some advice - every step of the way.

“Yeah, definitely,” Hobbler said. “She’s been here for me through everything.

“She will be there (at Suncorp) running up and down the sideline cheering me on.”

Hobbler played alongside her mum for Kangaroos last season. Quarry passed in March of 2022, and her memory has driven Hobbler to the be the absolute best she can be - on and off the field.

Hobbler is the only player from the Far North to make the Queensland team, who will face New South Wales in a State of Origin curtain raiser which also acts as an Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League selection trial.

It's the latest in a string of achievements by the Mareeba State High student, who has impressed at every turn.

Kangaroos' Aerielle Hobbler. Picture: Brendan Radke

“This has been the year when I’ve made more of a name for myself,” she said.

“It was my second year with the Pride, I trialled for the Gold Stars and was lucky to be picked, and now I’ve made this team.

“I’ve done a lot so far.”

She went into camp with the rest of the Queensland team on Saturday, and just 24 hours out from potentially the biggest game of her life.

A goalkicking forward who can play anywhere, Hobbler expects to slot into second row at Suncorp Stadium.

“I’m feeling a bit nervous but also a bit excited,” Hobbler said.

“We got in on Saturday and we’ve just been training every day. I’ve been doing some PT and fitness stuff as well.”

Mareeba State High principal and Australian schools rugby league manager Scott Whybird said this opportunity could be the ticket for Hobbler to take the next step in her career.

“This is amazing for her, this could be a life-defining moment for May May,” Whybird said.

“She has all of the talent in the world.”

An Australian team to play Fiji later this year will be selected from the game.

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Originally published as Aerielle Hobbler’s inspiration in her Queensland league debut