Highfields Eagles and Oakey Bears ready to square off in Toowoomba Rugby League women’s grand final

Oakey Bears will face defending premiers Highfields Eagles in the TRL Women’s grand final this Sunday. Find out where the game where the game will be won and lost here.

Highfields captain Katelyn Collie celebrates winning the TRL Women’s grand final. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It’s a grand final tale as old as time – the clichéd gritty underdog taking on the powerhouse defending premiers.

In Sunday’s Toowoomba Rugby League women’s grand final Oakey Bears will assume the role of underdog against the high-flying Highfields Eagles.

Despite their differing statuses among league pundits and fans both teams share two common beliefs – their premiership opponents will be hard to beat and the decider will be tough.

“We can’t slip up at all,” Highfields captain Tee Rogers said.

“They’re a dangerous side. They get so much go forward and momentum from their pack.

“They’re really dangerous in attack and defence.

“We have to be focused, we have to earn this one. It’s not going to be easy.”

Oakey finished the season in third – five points adrift of minor premiers Highfields.

Bears’ placing is more a sign of just how competitive the Toowoomba Sports Club Women’s competition was this season and less a reflection of their quality.

Abbey Markey in action for Highfields against Gatton in the 2024 TRL Women’s grand final. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Emmie Creevey scores a try for Oakey against Valleys during a match earlier this season. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The country club has been in the title race all season pummelling teams with a hard running pack and electrifying outside backs.

Bears carry momentum and belief into the final after a spirited fightback in last Sunday’s semi-final. Trailing Valleys 12-0 after 13 minutes, Oakey flew home to secure a 22-18 win.

“The girls showed a lot of heart and spirit against a quality Valleys,” Oakey coach Cameron Donaldson said.

“Last year we finished third last, this year we’ve really climbed up connected as a group.

“We’re not a team of superstars, we’re a superstar team and on our best day we’re up there.”

Emmie Creevey has a been a key player for Oakey this season with the star centre scoring five tries. Come Sunday she believes the key to winning will be simple.

“Highfields deserve credit. They’re a top team,” Creevey said.

“They’re committed and have some hard players.

“I think we absolutely have the right players to win though.

“Our girls have been so dedicated this year.

“It will be about communication, using the ball (smartly) when we have it and making our tackles stick.”

The grand final will be played at Toowoomba Sports Ground this Sunday, July 6. Kick off is 2pm.