Former Jillaroo’s ‘absolute shock’ as QRL expands pathway
Sam Bliss admits she was surprised but incredibly excited by the prospect of two new statewide women’s competitions in 2021
Sport
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FORMER Australian Jillaroos representative Sam Bliss admits it "was an absolute shock" to learn the QRL planned to bolster and not burden the growth of the women's game next year.
There were genuine concerns among stakeholders following the pitfalls of 2020 that necessary cost-cutting measures at the NRL and QRL, due to the impact of coronavirus, might mean leaving female footballers in limbo.
Instead the QRL has returned with an improved statewide pathway system for women, headlined by the Harvey Norman Women's Under-19s and Women's Under-17s competitions set to begin next year.
The two new competitions will join with the QRLW to form a three-tier state league pathway.
"It was an absolute shock to know that the QRL was going to endorse and really promote our women's game again," Bliss said.
The Cutters' Women's Academy director said she briefly considered the prospect of "the women's side of things actually not occurring" but was confident the wave of momentum would keep the wheels turning.
"I think the women's program in general, whether it's at an NRL level (or) a QRL level, has actually shown to be a good product for the game," Bliss said.
"From my time playing footy, certainly the way the women play these days is unbelievable. Their skills have certainly improved.
"That comes from … the quality of coaching they're receiving at the moment (which) is second-to-none.
"It's exactly what the boys are getting and they're certainly showing what they can do.
"I'm suggesting the female product … is certainly something that will continue to grow."
Bliss said the inclusion of a 19s and 17s system would do wonders for the gradual development of young players.
"It's really displaying a pathway for these women," she said.
"The game is changing. It's getting quicker and this pathway for them to start at a lower level, even before the 17s age group, is so important.
"It's a tough game and the girls need to start somewhere and get that baseline foundation and really work forward."
The Mackay players registered with the North Queensland Gold Stars - the combined Mackay, Townsville and Cairns QRLW program - recently returned to pre-season training.
Bliss said the Cutters' Women's Academy 17s and 19s would begin their preparations on January 4.
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