How a Western Clydesdales BMD Premiership squad could look if inducted in 2024

With the Western Clydesdales earning Hostplus Cup inclusion, the next push is for the women to earn their place in the BMD Premiership. Here’s what their squad could look like in 2024.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Western Clydesdales scored their biggest win this year when earning inclusion back into the statewide Hostplus Cup.

While the excitement is still fresh for their return in 2023, the club has one eye on their women being represented on the big stage in the near future.

With a host of talented young juniors coming through the system and a strong local league in the TRL, the Clydesdales are hoping to capitalise and field a team to compete with the best in Queensland.

“We’ve got a singular focus for the Hostplus Cup in 2023, but we would like to have a team in the BMD Premiership as quickly as possible,” Clydesdales chairman Tony Coonan said.

“We’re not actively getting involved just at the moment, but making general inquiries and investigations.

“As soon as we’ve got everything for the Hostplus Cup in place, we’ll be very actively getting involved and putting measures into place so we can have a team.

“There’s cracking local talent here. The U17s girls just won their carnival, the U19s played great this season, and we have one of the strongest female competitions in the state.

“As we’ve talked about, men are leaving and we have to attract them back. Women aren’t doing that just yet, but we don’t want to have that big exodus.

“We want to sure it up before they start disappearing on us (to other teams).”

With that in mind, The Chronicle investigates what a 31-player Western Clydesdales women’s squad could look like in the 2024 BMD Premiership.

Anna Dingley. Picture: Nev Madsen

OUTSIDE BACKS (FULLBACK, CENTRE, WING)

Anna Dingley - Currently with Valleys in the open women after a successful season with the Clydesdales U19s. Was one of Queensland’s best at the nationals earlier this year and is a genuine talent on the rise.

Emily Bass - Grew up on the Darling Downs and has had an exceptional first year of professional league with the Broncos and rewarded with a Maroons jersey. Could fill any spot in the outside backs.

Shenae Ciesiolka - Keeps going from strength to strength in the NRLW with the Broncos, but remains very active in the Toowoomba community. Would be a marquee player in the centres or fullback.

Amanda Hinch - Has provided a real X-factor to Warwick and now Newtown in the TRL. Had a stint with the Clydesdales last year and is a try-scoring machine. Has a high game IQ.

Jessica Barnes - Named player of the tournament for her efforts with the Clydesdales U17s, Barnes has stepped up to the open women with Valleys. A versatile player who can also play in the halves.

Erin Chandler - Looks most at home at fullback but a versatile player. A highly skilled player for Highfields and the Clydesdales U17s, as well as union. A BMD team could be the allure to stick with league.

Mariah Brown - Another player coming off a great U17s campaign, Brown has also been chosen to represent the Queensland U18s schoolgirls. A tireless player through the Highfields ranks.

Paige Edwards - Has the skills you want in a running half and has been devastating in attack for Newtown. A good defender and someone who could fill a utility role in the backs if needed.

Reeghyn Beardmore. Photo: Brendan Kirkman

HALVES (FIVE-EIGHTH, HALFBACK)

Reeghyn Beardmore - A young woman from St George who played in a BMD Premiership grand final with the Capras this year. Was one of the Valleys Fillies best during their time in the BRL.

Ellen Nussey - Makes up part of the Gatton halves combination that has taken all before them in the TRL. Previous experience in the BMD Premiership would hold her in good stead for the Clydesdales.

Jada Ferguson - One of Toowoomba’s brightest young talents. Made her NRLW debut this year for the Broncos and represented the Queensland U19s as well. A local with a wealth of ability.

Courtney-Lee Nolan - A big-game player with Gatton who is building quite the resume. Player of the year in last year’s TRL grand final and was in the running for the gong in the President’s Cup.

Emily Young - Had an injury-impacted season for Newtown, but when healthy is one of the best halves in the competition. Her talent has been highlighted with a stint for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Kylie Janes - Had a great campaign for the Clydesdales U19s as skipper before moving on to the Oakey women. A highly-rated prospect for the future and a Sapphires representative.

Mireka Dean - A big reason for the success of Oakey in its inaugural TRL season. Got the chance to represent the Cook Islands and would add depth to the Clydesdales squad.

Ashlea Nolan Picture: Nev Madsen

FRONT ROW (PROP, HOOKER)

Steph Hancock - A veteran NRLW star who was born and bred on the Southern Downs. Played at the elite level and would have a great influence on this side if she decided to come back.

Jane Morofa - Playing in the halves at Valleys but has done the job at dummy half for the Clydesdales. A crafty playmaker who likes to attack the line and has done well at rep level.

Sienna Norris - The Clydesdales U17s captain made the switch to dummy half for the tournament and was outstanding. Can play 6, 7 or 9, and boasts leadership qualities for a young woman.

Katelyn Collie - Has made the step up to open women's for Highfields with ease, despite still being eligible for U17s. Would be up there with some of the hardest hitters in the competition.

Katelyn Anderson - A Goondiwindi talent who has plenty of good football years ahead of her. Was named player of the tournament at the 47th Battalion as the Clydesdales won yet again.

Ashlea Nolan - Another of the extremely capable props coming through the local system at the moment. Had a stint with the Easts Tigers and was rewarded with a Queensland Sapphires jersey.

Erikana Dean - An up and comer for the Oakey Bears who has played at dummy half and in the back row. Progressing nicely and represented the Cook Islands just last month.

Kiara Taylor - Like what she’s been able to do for Newtown this year. Player of the final for the Clydesdales in the 47th Battalion final and would have a big impact for the side up front.

Mackenzie Zeller. Picture: Nev Madsen

BACK ROW (SECOND ROW, LOCK)

Tara Reinke - In just her second year of football but has already played at QRL level. A hard runner of the ball who was named as best player in the President’s Cup for Gatton. Could excel out on an edge.

Courtney Robinson - Such a versatile player that can fill a number of positions, but finds herself at lock with Gatton now. Voted the TRL’s best player last year and has extensive experience at the statewide level.

Serena Martin - Grew up in Toowoomba and has been shining in the BMD Premiership for Tweed. Would add valuable experience to the squad and for the future generations.

Kim Dore - The Gatton skipper has been another that has stood up in big games. A rangy second rower with an ability to bust the line and adds a wealth of experience to any roster.

Mackenzie Zeller - A powerful, hard-running second rower that played beyond her years in the U19s earlier this season. Already boasts a Queensland Country jersey to her name for her efforts.

Nicole Gusman - Had her first stint with Gatton recently after a season with the Tigers in the BMD Premiership. Has since gone on to captain Malta and is a strong talent in the back row if she sticks in the region.

Ally Ramsay - Sticking it out with Pittsworth and has naturally been one of their best. A consistent performer with the Clydesdales underage sides and have no doubt would rise to this level in the future.

Jayde Rolph - Another of the powerhouse Gatton side with past rep experience. Represented the Clydesdales at the 47th Battalion and the U19s, and would be pushing for inclusion in this squad.

What a 2024 Western Clydesdales BMD Premiership squad could look like. Pictures: Getty Images/The Chronicle