NSW schoolgirls making Australian rugby league history, Litia Fusa, Piper Simons, Ally Bullman

You may not have heard of them yet but you soon will. The incredibly tough and talented NSW and ACT schoolgirls making history in rugby league. LIST

For 50 years there’s been an Australian Schoolboys team. Now, for the first time there’s also one for girls.

And these young guns - from NSW, Queensland and the ACT - are blazing new trails for young girls with a love of rugby league.

Jillaroos coach and NRL head of pathways Brad Donald is delighted the girls pathway has been established with an Australian Schoolgirls team after delays associated with Covid.

“Nothing is confirmed but we are looking at a match in the Pacific for them,” Donald said of the recently named players.

“The Australian schoolboys team has been its own identity for 50 years and many went on to be Kangaroos. It’s a really sought after jersey. This is the start for the schoolgirls.’’

Jillaroo and NSW local Jessica Sergis playing for Australia. Pic: NRL Photos

Only players attending school were eligible for selection.

“If it does anything to help kids stay at school and give them some purpose that’s great,’’ Donald said.

“If little boys can grow up and aspire to play in the Australian Schoolboys jumper then it makes common sense we have the same opportunity for girls.”

The Schoolgirls side is being coached by talented young Illawarra-based coach Melissa Spero, who was involved in the selection of the 17-strong team.

The inaugural team was named in the wake of the match between a combined NSW and ACT team and Queensland played prior to the last State of Origin match.

The Queensland team which took on NSW/ACT recently

While Queensland dominated the match 30-6, numerous players from NSW and the ACT forced their way into the side.

“This pathway is a really big opportunity for not only the girls but the staff as well and I’m really excited to be able to lead that,” Spero said. “It’d be awesome to see a similar pathway to what the boys have, although it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same, we’ve just got to grow it to be a go-to pathway for Schoolgirls.”

Spero, from Warilla High School, said NSW players feature in the spine, with Raiders fullback Georgia Willey joining Eels five-eighth Tallara Bamblett and Roosters Indigenous Academy hooker Ally Bullman in key playmaking positions.

We chatted to Spero for some insights on her NSW and ACT players.

Kezie Apps from The Dragons and Millie Boyle from The Knights play in the NRLW. The competition will be a goal of all the schoolgirl players, along with the Jillaroos

NSW AND ACT PLAYERS IN THE AUSTRALIANS SCHOOLGIRLS TEAM

GEORGIA WILLEY (Erindale College, Wanniassa).

Plays in the Tarsha Gale for the Canberra Raiders. She is being looked at to play at fullback for the Australian team. Spero said Willey is “always searching to be involved in the play’’, works hard and is “willing to run at the big players’’.

Piper Simons calls the play for CCC1 in the Rugby Sevens final at Eric Tweedale Oval recently. Pic: John Appleyard

PIPER SIMONS (Stella Maris College, Manly)

Comes form a rugby union background and the northern beaches of Sydney. Piper is a versatile player. She played on the wing for NSW but Spero believes she also has the ability to step into other backline positions.

TIA JORDYN VASILOVSKI (Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park)

Hails from Sydney’s west and plays with the well known St Marys rugby league club. Tia plays with aggression and fight and has a great work ethic. “She wasn’t dirty, she was just an aggressive player,’’ Spero said.

The NSW/ACT team which played Queensland recently.

LITIA FUSI (Westfield Sports Hight School, Fairfield)

She played for St George in the Tarsha Gale. In the match against Queensland she did a lot of tough carries from the back of the field for NSW. An aggressive and strong player according to her coach.

Teenager Tallara Bamblett, right, at the NRL's indigenous youth summit. Pic: Amy Curmi.

TALLARA BAMBLETT (The Hills SHS, Seven Hills)

Tallara played Tarsha Gale for the Parramatta Eels side. With NSW she played a big role in controlling and organising the team from her position at halfback which was encouraging for the selectors to see.

ALLY BULLMAN (Narrabeen SHS)

Another player from the northern beaches. Ally ran out for the Sydney Roosters in the Tarsha Gale. In the game against Queensland she impressed with her leadership and the way she managed to direct her forwards and lift her team while keeping a positive vibe. “She bought a real professionalism and united the girls,’’ said Spero

Sophia Griffin of the Sharks is tacked by Latisha Smythe of the Dragons during the Tarsha Gale Cup.

LATISHA SMYTHE (Endeavour SHS, Caringbah)

She plays for the St George Dragons. “The biggest thing is she did a lot of ugly carries, those tough carries out of back of field, to get her team out of trouble, to get the momentum going,’’ said Spero.

Coaching Staff: Coach: Melissa Spero (Warilla High School)

Manager: Scott Whybird (Mareeba State High School)

Assistant Coach: (Sherree Bush – Catholic Sport Office Canberra/Goulburn)

Trainer: Jayden Best (Stretton State College)

Originally published as NSW schoolgirls making Australian rugby league history, Litia Fusa, Piper Simons, Ally Bullman