CQ Capras women’s coach names five young stars to watch

As women’s rugby league continues to grow, CQ Capras’ coach Amanda Ohl identifies five young guns on the rise. See who made the list here.

The female rugby league player pool is growing each year courtesy of the pathways now available to emerging talent.

That is good news for someone such as CQ Capras’ women’s coach Amanda Ohl, who is currently piecing together her squad to contest the 2023 BMD Premiership.

The Capras were runners-up in the QRL women’s competition this year, beaten on the buzzer in a thrilling grand final by the North Queensland Gold Stars, which featured another local talent - Emu Park’s Sarah Field.

CQ Capras’ women’s coach Amanda Ohl.

The Capras team included two players - Tamika Upton and Emma Paki - who were then instrumental in the Newcastle Knights’ victory in the NRLW.

Ohl said it was exciting to see the emergence of young local Central Queensland talent, such as Lillian Yarrow and Luca Howarth.

“The talent pool is getting bigger and bigger every year,” she said.

“We’re starting to see girls come through now who have had a rugby league pathway right through their career.

Lillian Yarrow.

Lillian Yarrow: Has gone from strength to strength in her short but successful career. Was a member of the inaugural Queensland 16-18 years state team and then went on to play for the Australian schoolgirls rugby league team in their win over Fiji. A genuine workhorse, she is a hard-running front rower with great tackle technique. Look for her to shine in any women’s competition she plays in next year.

Luca Howarth.

Luca Howarth: Played in the fullback position for the Queensland Sapphires under-19 team this year and was also a part of the inaugural Queensland under-18 schoolgirls team that defeated New South Wales. Speed and agility with a great ability to find the try line.

Caydence Fouracre.

Caydence Fouracre: Made the Queensland under-15 schoolgirls merit team. Crafty young half with a strong passing game.

Caitlin Tanner.

Caitlin Tanner: After an outstanding performance for Wide Bay, she was selected in the Queensland Country under-17 team. Has great football intelligence and intuition. Beautiful runner of the ball and ability as a half to find a gap.

Olivia Cave.

Oliva Cave: A true student of the game, she has a big presence on the field and possesses strong communication skills and direction as a half. She was also a member of the Queensland Sapphires under-19 team this year.

Originally published as CQ Capras women’s coach names five young stars to watch