Coach Hirsimaki on why CQ Bushrangers women can win rugby state champs

Aarre Hirsimaki believes the Central Qld women can get the job done at the Qld Country Rugby Union state championships. He explains why as he unveils his 25-player squad.

Aarre Hirsimaki is confident about the CQ Bushrangers women’s chances at the upcoming state championships.

Aarre Hirsimaki has made a bold prediction ahead of the Queensland Country Rugby Union state championships.

The coach of the CQ Bushrangers women believes he has the talent and depth in his squad to get the job done in 2025.

“I’m quietly confident that this will be the year we win the first-ever state championships for the women,” he declared.

“I know we are going to be really strong; we have half the Queensland Country backline in our side.”

Alenna Whipp playing for the Queensland Orchids at the national women's rugby union championships.

Leading the Bushrangers’ charge will be the experienced duo of inside centre Elly May and fly half Alenna Whipp.

“Elly has been part of the Queensland Country team for the last three years,” Hirsimaki said.

“She is a next level rugby player who’s in a league of her own at the moment.

“Alenna’s game speaks for itself and she is so valuable to the team.”

There were plenty of players pressing their claims for selection in the CQ Bushrangers team.

Hirsimaki decided on his 25-player squad after the Central Queensland selection trials in Emerald two weekends ago.

The Bushrangers will also field teams in the open and under-20 men, under-14, under-16 and under-18 girls, and under-13, under-14 and under-16 boys divisions at the championships in Townsville from June 28 to July 1.

The Bushrangers women came agonisingly close to taking the title in Rockhampton last year, with just three points in their last game proving the difference.

Hirsimaki has his fingers crossed that his players can get through the upcoming tournament unscathed after injuries took a toll last year.

“I thought we had the team to do it last year, but with so many injuries and some withdrawals we ended up playing with only three on the bench,” he said.

“We still managed to get our first-ever win over North Queensland and then only lost by three points to eventual champions South Queensland.

“This year, with a full squad, I can’t see us losing a game.”

CQ Bushrangers women’s squad

Alenna Whipp (Rugby Capricornia), Angela McKerrow (Rugby Capricornia), Carly Hill (Rugby Capricornia), Chelsie Jury (Mackay District), Elly May (Rugby Capricornia), Faith Maynard (Rugby Capricornia), Gabi Williams (Central Highlands/Rugby Capricornia), Izzy Gunnourie (Rugby Capricornia), Jade Belleville (Central Highlands/Rugby Capricornia), Jaydan Mattingley (Mackay District), Jenna Potgieter (Rugby Capricornia), Jess Johnson (Rugby Capricornia), Kyahne Smail (Rugby Capricornia), Kiti Deku (Central Highlands/Rugby Capricornia), Mackenzie Bean (Rugby Capricornia), Maddy Spruce (Mackay District), Minnie Finau (Rugby Capricornia), Paula Rojas (Mackay District), Penny Turner (Mackay District), Shannon Bean Shannon Harris (Rugby Capricornia), Simone Peri (Rugby Capricornia), Taiah Ardley (Rugby Capricornia), Tayla Graham (Rugby Capricornia), Tori Ranadi (Central Highlands/Rugby Capricornia).

Originally published as Coach Hirsimaki on why CQ Bushrangers women can win rugby state champs