Rockhampton’s Bree Spreadborough makes NRLW debut with Brisbane Broncos

Bree Spreadborough is reaping the rewards of her hard work and will start in the Broncos season opener at Suncorp Stadium today. Two coaches share what sets her apart.

CQ Capras player Bree Spreadborough will make her NRLW debut with the Brisbane Broncos.

Perseverance has paid off for Rockhampton’s Bree Spreadborough, who will make her NRLW debut with the Brisbane Broncos today.

The skilful outside back has been named on the wing for the team’s season opener against Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium.

Two of her coaches - Dominic Draper of the Rockhampton Brothers and Julyess Jarvis of the CQ Capras - agreed there were few players more deserving of a shot at the big time than Spreadborough.

“I can’t give her enough credit for all the hard work she’s done to get to where she is,” Draper said.

Bree Spreadborough captained Rockhampton Brothers to a fourth straight senior women’s premiership last year.

“She’s a coach’s dream; she’s always looking to improve her game.

“I’m so proud of her, and I know all the girls in the club are extremely proud of her too.”

The Brethren faithful are sure to be glued to the television, cheering Spreadborough on.

“We’ll be watching Bree killing it,” Draper declared.

Meanwhile, Jarvis will take in Spreadborough’s monumental achievement at Suncorp after making the trip to Brisbane yesterday.

He will also be supporting another Capras star in Mariah Denman, who is back for her fourth season with the Broncos.

Mariah Denman is back for a fourth season with the Broncos. Photo: Zain Mohammed

After winning premierships in 2018 and 2019, the workaholic forward returned to the NRLW in 2023, winning the Broncos’ Player of the Year.

Jarvis is keen to watch two Central Queensland products in action for the Broncos.

He said Denman and Spreadborough were cast in the same mould - super fit, hard-working and great team players.

Jarvis commended Spreadborough’s drive and steely focus which had seen her rewarded with an NRLW contract.

Bree Spreadborough in action for the CQ Capras against Wynnum Manly in the BMD Premiership. Photo: Pam McKay

She was lethal in attack and tireless in defence.

“This is super-exciting for her,” he said.

“She works so hard and doesn’t give an inch.

“She’s not the biggest girl but she shows no fear when she runs the ball. She makes the tough carries and her run metres and repeat efforts are incredible.”

The women’s game kicks off at 12.45pm before the Broncos men, featuring Central Queensland duo Kobe Hetherington and Corey Oates, tackle the Canterbury Bulldogs at 3pm.

Originally published as Rockhampton’s Bree Spreadborough makes NRLW debut with Brisbane Broncos