Capras U19 girls help run clinics for juniors at Central Qld clubs

A coach passionate about fostering female rugby league devised a plan which saw his under-19 squad turn into mentors. Here’s how it unfolded and what it meant to a top player to be involved.

The CQ Capras under-19 girls helped run training clinics for junior girls at Blackwater and Emerald last weekend.

The CQ Capras under-19 girls and their coaching staff hit the road on a western tour designed to foster the growth of female rugby league and to empower regional clubs.

The 22-strong squad worked with junior girls at clinics in Blackwater and Dysart last weekend, running some of the skills and drills for the eager young participants, as well as doing their own training sessions.

The man behind the initiative was their coach, Cedric Auda, who put forward a proposal to the club’s CEO, Peter White.

CQ Capras under-19 girls coach Cedric Auda.

With White’s support, and collaboration with the Central Highlands Rugby League, Blackwater Crushers and Dysart Bulls, it became a reality that was well received by everyone involved.

Auda said Jay Edwards and Carmen Limbrick from CHRL Women’s Pathways, Adam Nichols and Casey Faine (BC), Andrew Hopes (BCJRL) and members of the Bulls were instrumental in making it happen.

He believes it’s a brilliant exercise and one he hopes will continue.

“As well as highlighting girls and women’s rugby league, it was also a chance for our girls to better understand the region they represent when they pull on their Capras jersey,” Auda said.

“It’s all about engaging players and coaches in the women’s space.”

The CQ Capras under-19 players turned coaches, running some of the drills at clinics at Blackwater and Emerald.

Capras’ under-19 player Mattice McLeod said it was a wonderful experience and one she and her squad mates truly appreciated.

“It meant a lot to us to see just how excited the young girls were to be there to train with us and watch us train,” she said.

“I really enjoyed being able to give back to the girls and show them what it’s like to be playing at this level.

“It also made us grateful to be in the position we are today and the opportunities we now have in rugby league.”

McLeod has had three years in the Capras system, playing one season in the under-17s before moving up to the under-19s and making her BMD Premiership debut last season.

Capras under-19 girls player Mattice McLeod.

A gifted centre, she is this season preparing for a switch to the second row, a challenge she’s keen to embrace.

She will have her first run in her new position when the Capras take on Mackay in a pre-season trial at Rockhampton’s Rugby Park on February 1.

The Capras four underage teams will be in action that day, with games from 11.30am.

McLeod said she was counting down the days to that first hitout and she had one message for young girls aspiring to wear the Capras’ jersey.

“Don’t stop trying. Keep putting the effort in and never give up,” she said.

Originally published as Capras U19 girls help run clinics for juniors at Central Qld clubs