SADDLE UP: The 12 Clydesdales stars of the 47 Battalion competition

The Clydesdales men and women put in a strong showing at the 47th Battalion competition in Gympie - here’s our look at the top stars from the men’s and women’s sides at the weekend.

LEAGUE: Wearing one of Queensland’s most famous jerseys and as defending champions, the Clydesdales had everything to play for in the 47th Battalion competition at the weekend.

For the senior women the trip to Gympie was fruitful, but the men did not fare so well.

Up against Rockhampton in the final, Toowoomba conceded the first points of the match but never looked back after that.

The Clydesdales led 16-4 at the break and finished 26-8 winners against the Rustlers.

“It was a great team effort from all the girls,” coach Dom Haak said.

“Everyone competed really well and worked together.

“I think a lot of the performance comes back to our training, pride in the jersey and the club as a whole

“We had girls driving from Roma, Goondiwindi and Brisbane to train which shows the level of commitment.

“We trained as a club doing a lot of sessions with the men’s team and they (the men) were there supporting us at the weekend as well.”

The Clydesdales men went into the competition as one of the favourites, but early injuries almost cruelled their chances.

“We lost Andrew Petaia and Suanda Semanutafa in the first game,” men’s team coach Col Speed said.

“And then we lost Xavier Manly just minutes into the second game and a few others over the weekend.

“We were up against it the whole way but I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and the pride they had in the jersey.

“It’s hard to get motivated when you’re playing off for third place but the boys gave everything they had all weekend.”

The Clydesdales lined up against Sunshine Coast in the third-fourth playoff.

Trailing 18-0 they fought their way back to draw level at 18-18 before eventually losing 24-18.

Rockhampton defeated Bundaberg 24-16 in the final.

Clydesdales stars of the 47th Battalion competition.

Top women’s players

Katelyn Anderson (player of the tournament): “The fact Katelyn came off the bench in two games and still won player of the tournament proves how much of an impact she had,” Haak said.

“She’s a terrific competitor who rips in in attack and defence. When she tackles someone they stay hit.”

Winning the top individual honour was a shock for the Goondiwindi front rower.

“It was a real surprise,” Anderson said. “I was really just focused on playing my game and trying to help the team win – being named player of the tournament is something I won’t forget.

“Winning the title was a real team effort – I think our communication and work rate was the difference.”

Ann Dingley: “She still has a lot of footy to learn but everything she did on the weekend was quality,” Haak said.

Abbey Hancock: “Played every minute of every game and scored a heap of tries which is amazing considering centre is not normally where she plays. She was great in defence as well.”

Kirlee Sires: “Her communication on the field is really important to the side – especially at this level. She’s a quality person on and off the field which helps a lot.”

Kiara Taylor: “The best front rower by far in the competition she dominated the opposition all weekend.”

Kimberley Dore: “She is our most experience player and did everything you want from your captain.”

Natalia Parsons: “Her kicking game was immense.”

Top men’s players

Jarrod Lee: “You look for certain personal traits – toughness, determination that type of thing – in players when you pick these types of sides and Jarrod had everything we wanted. He was a real threat on the first day of the competition and on the second day he continued to lead even though he was battered and bruised,” coach Col Speed said.

Joshua Keoller: “He came into the squad late but didn’t look out of place. He ran the ball hard and formed a great partnership with Cory (McGrady) at times.”

Leevai Sutton: “Showed a willingness to make the hard runs and get us on the front early in sets. His goal kicking under pressure against Sunshine Coast was amazing.”

Patrick O’Callaghan: “He was fantastic in the middle for us. Normally he operates on the edge but he always put the team first.”

Sam Betros: “It can be hard for a young bloke when you have to play second fiddle to a dominant half but Sam was still fantastic. It was an opportunity for him to learn and he took advantage of that and played great.”

AJ Chong: “His work rate in attack and defence was tremendous – he piled effort on top of effort all weekend. In the last game we played him in three different positions and he stood up and got the job done every time.”