Ex-NRLW player Kyra Simon in Rocky Rustlers for 47th Battalion Carnival

Women’s coach Niccy Muller has described the former Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels’ prop as a ‘game-changer’. Discover who it is and the teammates who are also set for a big showing.

Fitzroy/Gracemere teammates Samartha Leisha (left) and Kyra Simon will join forces in the Rocky Rustlers team for this weekend's 47th Battalion Carnival. Photo: Leeann Booth

A former NRLW player is set for a leading role with the Rocky Rustlers in their bid for the 47th Battalion title in Bundaberg this weekend.

Prop Kyra Simon, who made seven appearances for the Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels, will bring plenty of defensive starch and go-forward to the rep line-up.

The 22-year-old has relocated to Central Queensland for work and has teamed up with Fitzroy/Gracemere in the Rockhampton Rugby League senior women’s competition.

Simon’s club coach, Niccy Muller, has taken the reins of the Rustlers for the first time this year and says she is “excited for the opportunity”.

Rocky Rustlers’ women’s coach Niccy Muller.

The Rustlers men, with Bert Tabuai at the helm, are among four teams vying for the trophy, with a further six in the hunt for the men’s plate.

They would love to repeat their heroics of 2022 when they claimed the silverware for the first time.

Muller is confident she has the personnel to give the competition a real shake, and Simon’s inclusion is a huge coup.

“She is a real game-changer for us,” Muller said.

“Her professional approach and her defence and work ethic will help the forwards around her.

Second rower Georgia Wright will be one to watch.

“She’s a front rower who can go the whole 80 minutes just about.”

Muller said the Rustlers would have to be on from the get-go after landing in a pool alongside the notoriously tough Central Highlands and Toowoomba.

Reigning champions Sunshine Coast, Gladstone and Bundaberg are in the other pool.

Muller will be looking for big campaigns from her experienced half Samartha Leisha and attacking weapon Mookie House, who will start at five-eighth but can easily slot into hooker or fullback.

Stevie-Lee Dixson (right) will be among the young forwards looking to make a big impression.

She is also keen to see how the exciting young forwards trio of Shayla Powell, Georgia Wright and Stevie-Lee Dixson performs.

“I think we’ve got a nice balance in the team,” Muller said.

“The passion the players have for football and their drive is what I think will get us over the line.

“My key message to them will be to stay together, no matter what, and to truly appreciate that they’re representing the Rocky Rustlers.”

Rocky Rustlers women’s squad

Khaiya Albury (Norths Chargers), Stevie-Lee Dixson (Norths Chargers), Tamia Dyer (Brothers), Nakita Gilliland (Norths Chargers), Tiaan Harbin (Brothers), Zalhi Hayden (Fitzroy Gracemere), Taylor Hook (Brothers), Mookie House (Norths Chargers), Samartha Leisha (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Jeune-Kelly Mahuru (Brothers), Jean McKinley (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Taila Miller (Yeppoon), Rhiannon Parsons (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Shayla Powell (Norths Chargers), Kyra Simon (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Kiarah Tull (Brothers), Frances Whap (Fitzroy/Gracemere), Katrina Willie (Fitzroy Gracemere), Georgia Wright (North Chargers).

Rocky Rustlers men’s squad

Ritchie Akuhata-Brown (Emu Park), Rahkeem Auda (Emu Park), Matt Baker (Brothers), Cruz Beazley (Norths Chargers), Ilami Buli (Norths Chargers), Bailey Cavanough (Brothers), Kazzi Doyle (Norths Chargers), Ryan Franks (Norths Chargers), Jaylen Grey (Norths Chargers), Connor Guley (Brothers), Jon Leefe (Norths Chargers), Anthon Ngunz (Brothers), Blayne Perese-Sukroo (Norths Chargers), Bacho Salam (Yeppoon), Selemaia Taungahihifo (Norths Chargers), Bob Tenza (Emu Park), Kyidan Vea Vea (Norths Chargers).

Originally published as Ex-NRLW player Kyra Simon in Rocky Rustlers for 47th Battalion Carnival