Fitzroy/Gracemere make Rocky Rugby League A-grade women’s final for first time

The ‘Sharkies’ women have booked their place in the Rockhampton Rugby League grand final after beating minor premiers Emu Park. Read how they are writing their names into the club’s history books.

Fitzroy/Gracemere are into the Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade women's grand final for the first time.

There were cheers and tears as Fitzroy/Gracemere won through to their first ever Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade women’s grand final.

They beat minor premiers Emu Park 22-18 in a battle royal in the qualifying semi-final at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon.

The jubilant players and coaching staff gathered in a huddle post-match, giving a rousing “Sharkies” call before heading to the sidelines to acknowledge their supporters.

Fitzroy/Gracemere players celebrate their semi-final win over minor premiers Emu Park.

Coach Niccy Muller said it was an incredible achievement for the team, which finished third and beat reigning champions Rocky Brothers in last week’s qualifying final.

“It still hasn’t sunk in. I don’t know if it’s composure or whether I’m still in a bit of shock,” Muller said.

Emu Park's Sarah Field is cut down just short of the tryline in the A-grade women's qualifying semi-final against Fitzroy/Gracemere. Photo: Pam McKay

“They’ve created history by being the first Fitzroy women’s team to one, make a major semi-final, and two, make a grand final.”

Muller said her team’s staunch defence was a big factor in the win.

“We always knew that Emu Park was going to be a hard one, they’ve been the leaders all season,” she said.

“The keys for the win today were our defence, making sure we maintained that line going up, and how we utilised our kick returns.”

Fitzroy/Gracemere skipper Sharni Upton fires a pass away during her team's qualifying semi-final win over minor premiers Emu Park. Photo: Pam McKay

Muller praised captain Sharni Upton for her relentless effort, as well as the go-forward provided by Shonel Pope and Pania Tana.

She said it was also exciting to have Sharkies “originals” Jean McKinley and Katrina Willie in the line-up.

State of Origin Emma Paki posed a threat every time she got the ball in her hands, while second rower Zoe Williams continued her impressive showing in her debut season.

The Sharkies now have a week off to rest and recuperate as they wait to see who their grand final opponent will be on August 24.

Fitzroy/Gracemere are through to the Rockhampton Rugby League A-grade women's grand final for the first time.

Emu Park will next week play the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Rocky Brothers and Wallabys.

The A-grade women’s competition has been running since 2016 (there was no play in 2020 due to Covid).

Rocky Brothers have dominated, winning the past four premierships.

Wallabys claimed the inaugural title, while Emu Park took the honours in 2017 and Tannum Sands won in 2018.

Originally published as Fitzroy/Gracemere make Rocky Rugby League A-grade women’s final for first time