North Queensland Cowboys Schoolgirl Cup to provide more NRLW pathways than ever before
The North Queensland Cowboys NRLW head coach has thrown his support behind a new-look competition that mirrors the famous Aaron Payne Cup. Find out everything you need to know.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
North Queensland girls will have more elite pathways to the NRLW than ever before with the announcement of a new-look expanded rugby league competition that mirrors the famous Aaron Payne Cup.
Schoolgirls from Townsville, Cairns and Mackay will contest the North Queensland Cowboys Schoolgirl Cup with the winner progressing to the state semi-final where they will play the winner of the Dolphins Cup on August 22 before potentially progressing to the Queensland and national NRL Schoolgirls Cup finals.
Cowboys NRLW head coach Ricky Henry said he hoped to see the next generation of stars come through the local competition and that his assistants would be keeping a close eye on games.
“For us it’s so important that we get the foundations right and have the players coming through to our NRLW team,” Henry said.
“We’re really big on that and making sure that everyone in the region gets an opportunity to represent the Cowboys.
“David (Faiumu) is always keeping an eye on stuff, he’s an awesome person to have on board, likewise with my other assistant coach Alicia-Kate (Hawke).”
Teams are split into two pools.
Pool A consists of Kirwan State High School, Trinity Bay State High School, St Patrick’s College (Mackay) and St Margaret Mary’s College.
Holy Spirit College, Mackay State High School and Mareeba State High School form Pool B, with fixtures reflecting the Aaron Payne Cup where possible.
Round 1 kicks off on Thursday with Kirwan playing St Pat’s, St Margaret Mary’s taking on Trinity Bay and Holy Spirit facing Mareeba.
North Queensland Cowboys community programs manager Ray Thompson said the club was excited to support a new elite pathway for girls.
“For the competition to kick off with seven schools shows the growth in the women’s side of rugby league,” Thompson said.
“Anything we can do to support that is really important to us because of our NRLW side and because we know that our region has some great young talent out there that sometimes doesn’t get the opportunities or exposure that some of the teams and players down south get.
“We’re really pumped and excited and can’t wait for the competition to begin.”
The North Queensland Cowboys Schoolgirl Cup will play six rounds before semi-finals begin on August 8.
More Coverage
Originally published as North Queensland Cowboys Schoolgirl Cup to provide more NRLW pathways than ever before
‘We were clinical’: Mackay Meteorettes coach celebrates state title
Mackay Meteorettes have achieved the ultimate success in junior basketball, claiming the under-18s girls state championship. Find out how they did it.
600+ NAMES: Every Mackay cricketer RANKED
Who has dominated and who has struggled? See where you and your mates stand as we rank every single Mackay cricketer from the first half of the 2024-25 season.
“I’m a bit old school”: Cuthbertson set for first full year in Cutters top role
Find out what goal is top of the agenda for Adam Cuthbertson as he straps in for his first full season in the top job at the Cutters.
Purdue reveals frontrunner in three-way battle to pair Dearden
North Queensland’s 2024 rookie of the year Jaxon Purdue has weighed in on the three-way battle to pair Kangaroos star Tom Dearden in the Cowboys halves this season. Find out which halfback has their nose in front.
New Meteorettes coach “looking forward to the challenge”
Mackay Meteorettes’ new NBL1 women’s coach has revealed his plans for a successful 2025 campaign.
RLMD TRACKER: Moranbah secures former NRL, Townsville recruit
Moranbah Miners’ new A-grade coach has helped the club secure a couple of major signings for 2025, including a former NRL player.