Sunshine Coast Falcons women’s team targeting top local and representative players

The Sunshine Coast Falcons BMD side have ramped up their recruitment drive with a host of ‘local talents, experienced representatives and cross-code stars’ on the shortlist. Read what their new head coach had to say.

Sunshine Coast Falcons BMD head coach Steve Belsham. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A month on from their historic BMD launch the Sunshine Coast Falcons have ramped up their recruitment drive after already attracting a former Australian representative and Brisbane Broncos star.

It was reported in October that the Falcons had been given the green light to join the BMD Premiership competition after the QRL announced an expansion for the 2024 season.

The club quickly unveiled their inaugural signing as former Jillaroo, Queensland representative, two-time NRLW premiership winner and Karyn Murphy medallist, Annette Brander.

Brander, a Beerwah Bulldogs product, would also be linking up with Brisbane Broncos NRLW fullback and Sunshine Coast local Hayley Maddick.

“It’s really exciting for the Falcons and for the BMD competition as I think we’ll be able to grow something really cool on the Sunshine Coast,” she said.

New Sunshine Coast Falcons signings Annette Brander (left) and Hayley Maddick. Pictures: David Rowland and Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

“Hayley was actually a part of my first ever rugby league game when we were at high school so for us to be able to play with each other again, especially with the added experience, is really special.

“I’ve had a lot to do with rugby league on the Sunshine Coast for a while now so to actually play with some of the girls that I’ve seen coming through the ranks is very cool and I think there’s plenty of untapped talent in the region.”

Head coach Steve Belsham said he was eager for the club to attract more quality names.

“Both Brad (Henderson) and Chris (Flannery) have been very good with the early recruitment, especially with Annette and Hayley,” he said.

“There’s some girls that I’m very interested in outside of rugby league, they’re rugby union players but are showing good potential.

“There’s also quite a few names that have been floating around from other BMD clubs who are Sunshine Coast locals and looking to return to the region.

“Our 47th battalion side was also successful this year and there’s definitely a good six to eight girls from that team that are capable of playing BMD.”

Sunshine Coast Falcons BMD head coach Steve Belsham. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Belsham said he was growing with excitement.

“It’s an exciting time for the Sunshine Coast, they deserve to be in the BMD competition and the work that’s gone into the program has been ongoing for a few years,” he said.

“The junior, school and representative pathways and development has been getting stronger so now it’s started to blossom and the girls are ready to play at the next level.

“There seems to be a fair level of excitement in the air so now it’s a matter of preparing right, moulding the team together and hopefully getting some success out of it all.”

The Falcons would be hosting their first pre-season camp at Currimundi from November 17 to 19.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Falcons women’s team targeting top local and representative players