The senior female stars ready to make their mark in Darling Downs Rugby

TOP TALENT: The female stars you need to watch in this year’s senior Darling Downs Rugby Union competition. Find out who cracked the list from your club here.

Penny Dukes (pictured in action for Toowoomba Tigers Aussie rules club) is also a talented rugby union player. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The addition of 12-a-side rugby alongside the already popular rugby sevens has bought a new calibre of player to the Darling Downs rugby union landscape.

With the second round of ‘full’ team rugby kicking off this weekend here is a look at the star players you need to watch this season.

Penny Dukes

Rangers

Of the competition’s most experienced players, Dukes wears the captain’s armband with pride drawing on knowledge to inspire her teammates through her words and actions. Her hard carries and power game make her a force to reckoned with in attack and defence.

Zoe McLoughlin

Rangers

The co-captain is a dynamic scrum half who brings unmatched energy and passion to the field. Despite her smaller stature, she is an unstoppable force, always present and actively involved in every play. Her crisp passing helps maintain the flow of the game, while her exceptional communication skills allow her to direct and inspire her teammates effectively.

Claudia Woodhead

Rangers

An exciting young talent with incredible speed and strong defensive skills. With the ability to outrun opponents and create game-changing opportunities, she has quickly established herself as a valuable asset to her team.

Shyanna Crittle

Rangers

A promising young player who is a vital figure in the Rangers’ tight five. Known for her powerful ball-carrying and strong defensive skills, she consistently breaks through defence lines and tackles effectively. Her blend of strength and skill marks her as a key asset and a player to watch.

Shelby Green

Dalby Wheatchix

A fearless loose forward with the versatility to dominate at 6, 7, or 8. Her tackle technique is nothing short of sublime clinical, powerful, and relentless. A defensive weapon every team fears.

Abby Marshall (pictured right in action for Dalby Swans Aussie rules club) is also a talented rugby player. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Abby Marshall

Dalby Wheatchix

A true engine room player who can slot in anywhere across the tight five. With a deep skillset and natural leadership, she lifts everyone around her and commands the field with confidence and clarity.

Kimberley Ryan

Dalby Wheatchix

Power is her trademark, and flattening the opposition is her specialty. One of the hardest players to bring down but if you’re the one left on the turf, she’ll be the first to check you’re okay. Fierce in the game, kind at heart

Tamar Clarson

Dalby Wheatchix

The calm in the chaos, Tamar is the most composed scrumhalf you’ll ever meet. Cool under pressure, sharp in decision-making, and always giving 100 per cent she’s the steady hand every team needs.

Chelsea Jones

Gatton Black Sows

The team’s captain inspires through her words and actions. Break down opposition teams with her hard ball running and intensity in defence.

Gatton Black Sows players (from left) Chelsea Jones, Georgia Powell, Kaitlyn Anthony and Lucy Newman.

Gatton Black Sows player Lilli Waern

Lilli Waern

Gatton Black Sows

The speedy back has an almost uncanny ability to spot and exploit space in opposition defences. Expect to see Lilli in the Darling Downs rep team frame later this season.

Kaitlyn Anthony

Gatton Black Sows

A dedicated team player, Kaitlyn will be champing at the bit when she makes her return from injury. A physical player whose impact on the game can be seen and often heard from the sideline.

Lucy Newman

Gatton Black Sows

With speed, game smarts and a golden boot Lucy has it all. The talented halfback expertly steers her team around the field and sets up great attacking opportunities.

Did your favourite player or club miss out?

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