BMD player Patrice Chambers joins Emu Park women’s rugby league team

Emu Park’s A-grade women have made a blistering start to the Rocky Rugby League season and their coach Jason Field has issued an ominous warning to their rivals.

Emu Park A-grade women are gunning for back-to-back titles in the Rockhampton Rugby League competition. Photo: Leeann Booth

Emu Park have locked in a big-name signing as they eye back-to-back premierships in the Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade women’s competition.

Former Wynnum Manly skipper and Queensland City rep Patrice Chambers has joined the team, which has made a blistering start to its title defence.

Experienced BMD player Patrice Chambers has joined Emu Park for the 2025 season.

The Emus have piled on 92 points and conceded just 10 in their opening two fixtures against Tannum and Valleys.

Coach Jason Field said the team had also signed exciting prospect Rianna Moore and welcomed back talented back rower Tarni Smith, who suffered a sickening leg injury last season.

The skill and depth in the side has him feeling confident of another strong season and prompted an ominous warning for Emu Park’s rivals.

“It’s pretty much the same side (that won the premiership) and we’ve picked up a few extra players, which is always a positive,” Field said.

“I think we’ll be as strong, if not stronger than last year.”

The Emu Park A-grade women celebrate their 2024 grand final win. Photo: Leeann Booth

Field said wily hooker Chambers was a great addition, citing her skill, BMD experience and big-game composure.

“She’s coming off a major injury… so we’re just easing her back into the fold and letting her find her own way as she builds her confidence back up,” he said.

“She played last weekend; it was a bit of a scrappy game but she got two tries.

“She’s going to be a huge asset to the club.”

Field said he and his players were not getting ahead of themselves, taking it “game by game”.

Young gun Mackayla Oakley is making a big impression.

He said the team’s teen brigade, spearheaded by centre Mackayla Oakley, was really stepping up and growing in confidence under the direction of gun trio Sarah Field, Amarah Shillingsworth and Tashina Ketchup.

“I think they’re just enjoying the camaraderie within the group. It’s a good mix and they’re just feeding off each other at training,” he said.

“They’re feeling good about themselves and it’s been positive all the way round.”

Emu Park host Rockhampton Brothers in Round 3 at 2.30pm Saturday.

“They are always very competitive so it will be a good test,” Field said.

“The key will be ball control; if we can maintain the footy and our defence is strong, then I think we’re able to beat any side.”

In the women’s other weekend match-ups, Yeppoon play Fitzroy/Gracemere, Wallabies meet Norths and Valleys tackle Tannum.

Originally published as BMD player Patrice Chambers joins Emu Park women’s rugby league team