Toowomba rugby league stars set to shine at national championships

The Darling Downs will be strongly represented at the women’s rugby league national championships with eight players from the region named in various sides. Meet the star players eager to stake their claim in front of representative team selectors here.

Western Clydesdales Zoe Cook takes on Central Queensland Capras line during a BMD Premiership match between the two sides. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Keen fans will notice a few new faces in the Western Clydesdales squad this weekend when the BMD Premiership side play Sunshine Coast Falcons.

Coach Mitch Sargent has been forced to make a number of changes with seven of his players set to feature at the 2024 Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships.

“It’s never ideal losing any players mid-season but at the same time this is a great honour and fantastic opportunity for all our players involved,” Sargent said.

“Any time you can represent Queensland, no matter what the level, is a fantastic milestone and I have no doubt all the girls will give it everything they have.

“Rease Casey has also been named in the First Nations Gems side which is amazing for her and Ashlee Makim joins the Australian Defence Force team as assistant coach.

“As a coach I’m really proud of what all these ladies have achieved so far.”

Western Clydesdales player Taylor Fenton has been in the Queensland Sapphires team. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Western Clydesdales Natalia Webb (pictured playing for the Gatton Hawks) has been named in the Queensland Sapphires team. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Former Gatton Hawks player Nicole Gusman (pictured in action for Malta) will line up for the Australian Defence Force team.

As well as being an opportunity to play more elite level rugby league the championships are also a great chance for players to catch the eye of NRLW clubs and representative selectors.

Closer to home the absence of seven players means ‘game time’ for Clydesdales stars patiently waiting for their opportunity to shine.

“I’ve talked a lot about the importance of player depth in this squad,” Sargant said.

“From the start of the season we knew there would be challenges and this was one of them.

“Now is a chance for more of our players to step up and I’m confident they will get the job done now and in the future.”

Former Gatton Hawks player Nicole Gusman, who has also represented Malta, will also be in action after being named in the Australian Defence Force team.

National Championships representatives

Georgia Sharam (Queensland Sapphires), Natalia Webb (Queensland Sapphires), Taylor Fenton (Queensland Sapphires), Montana Mook (Queensland Sapphires), Zoe Cook (Queensland Sapphires), Rease Casey (First Nations Gems), Ashlee Makim (Australian Defence Force assistant coach).

Las Vegas NRL Combine winners Megan Pakulis and MarCaya Bailous will also be part of the championships.

Kicking off on Thursday, March 21 the championships will feature 12 teams – Ahi Ka Aotearoa, Australian Defence Force Rugby League, Fiji, First Nations Gems, Northern Territory, NSW City, NSW Country, Papua New Guinea, Queensland Sapphires, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia – in action on the Gold Coast.