Shenae Ciesiolka targets State of Origin three-peat with Maroons, ready for Kelly challenge
Shenae Ciesiolka has never tasted defeat in the maroon of Queensland, and she’s looking to keep that winning feeling going as she prepares for one of the toughest centre match-ups in the game.
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SHENAE Ciesiolka doesn’t know what it’s like to taste defeat in a Maroons jersey.
The Toowoomba talent has been part of both of Queensland’s successes since their annual clash with New South Wales was rebranded as Origin in 2018.
As they put the finishing touches on their campaign to keep the shield north of the border and bring up a hat-trick of wins, Ciesiolka said the desire for success is as strong as ever.
“The rivalry has always been there,” she told The Chronicle.
“Growing up as a kid it was always something you looked forward to and growing up you’d look up to them, and now as a woman we get to play.
“It would be awesome to get a win over them.”
Ciesiolka made the move from the wing into the centres for the start of the NRLW season, where she formed a lethal partnership with fellow Maroons representative and Downs player Emily Bass.
It led them to a preliminary final, and Ciesiolka was honoured with the award of Broncos best back for the season.
She said the move has been one she has relished, as she prepares to face off with one of the game’s best centres.
“I’m really excited to be playing centre, coming off the back of a good year with the Broncos,” she said.
“It will be a challenge coming up against Isabelle Kelly. She’s a massive competitor and such a strong, physical athlete.
“It’s a challenge I’m up for. I’m looking forward to playing the game and hopefully getting another win for the third year in a row.
“We’re just focusing on the small things first and hoping that if everyone plays their role, a win will come naturally.”
The Maroons enjoyed camp on the Gold Coast before making the trip down to Canberra on Wednesday, continuing what has been an intense season so far for the women’s game.
Ciesiolka said the break after the postponed 2021 NRLW season has her ready to go on Friday, as the capital city gets a taste of what women’s league will be like next year.
“I’m feeling really good. I’m coming off the back of the NRLW where I had a couple of niggling injuries, but I feel refreshed,” she said.
“The vibe was good in camp and we’ve been able to spend some quality time together and build those connections.
“To have the game down in Canberra with the Raiders coming into the comp next year is a great way to draw attention.
“That will mean more girls involved in the game and it’s only heading in the right direction.”
The Women’s State of Origin will be shown live and in HD on Fox League and Kayo Sports on Friday night, and also features Bass and Steph Hancock.
JADA FERGUSON
THIS weekend is shaping up as the biggest festival of rep football ever seen, and a duo of Toowoomba players will help kick things off.
Jada Ferguson and Xavier Va’a will represent the Queensland U19s as they take on New South Wales in their State of Origin fixtures on Thursday night.
For Ferguson, it’s her second year representing the state after being chosen as one of two over-age players, and she wants revenge for last year’s defeat.
“I feel more prepared and eager to beat New South Wales,” Ferguson said.
“Coming off a loss last year, I’m more determined to win. Being in the halves, I just want to take control of the game.
“The game will be at Origin intensity so we need to run hard and hit hard, but my job is taking control and leading from the front.”
Ferguson comes into the side as one of the most experienced players after a maiden NRLW campaign with the Brisbane Broncos, and has had the benefit of training with the Maroons in the lead-up to the Origin encounters.
“I found out from Tahnee (Norris) that I wasn’t in the open’s team, but there was another opportunity for me in the U19s,” she said.
“I got to train with the Maroons all throughout the campaign until the last camp. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to train with the best of the best and some of my idols. I was really grateful to be in the squad with them.”
Featuring in four games throughout the year, Ferguson said she tried to make the most of every opportunity presented, as young girls across the region look up to the 19-year-old.
“I wasn’t really expecting to get much game time being one of the youngest in the squad and new to NRLW,” she said.
“I was lucky enough to play and definitely took the opportunities I got, and it makes me keen for next season.
“It hasn’t quite hit me yet, but it’s good to be someone girls in the region look up to. I want them to know they can make it from a regional area.”
Ferguson came into rugby league last year when suiting up for the Tweed Seagulls in the BMD Premiership after excelling in a number of other sports.
A talented touch football player and Rugby Sevens player, she represented Queensland and Australia in the former.
With a second NRLW season for 2022 set to occur later in the year, Ferguson will again play for Brisbane.
The women’s match takes place at Leichhardt Oval at 5.45pm, followed by the men’s fixture.
XAVIER VA’A
WHEN Xavier Va’a runs out onto Leichhardt Oval on Thursday night, he’ll join an illustrious list of players to reach the ultimate underage honour.
The Toowoomba front rower and St Mary’s College alumni has been named captain of the Queensland U19s ahead of their Origin clash with New South Wales.
It’s the reward for a stellar season that saw Va’a and the Sydney Roosters advance to the grand final of the SG Ball Cup, going on to play Jersey Flegg, and getting a taste on NRL in a pre-season trial.
Xavier’s father Paul said the honour is a reflection of the work he has put into his craft, and said how proud he was.
“I’m just excited for him. Like all these young kids, to see the fruition of their hard work and to get an opportunity like this, it makes you proud,” Paul Va’a said.
“He called on Tuesday to say the camp is going well, and he was named as captain which is a real privilege for him.”
Xavier played his junior football with Dalby and Highfields in the TJRL, before getting a taste of A-grade last year with Valleys.
He has previously represented the Queensland Schoolboys, and was named in the 2020 U18s state squad, alongside current Maroons Jeremiah Nanai, Selwyn Cobbo and Reece Walsh.
There’ll be support in the stands with a number of family members making the journey down to Sydney.
“We’re very grateful,” Paul said.
“A lot of people can’t make the game, but there’s a lot of positive reinforcement and support from Toowoomba.
“There’s a lot sending their best wishes in footy circles, and we’ll bring down the good vibes through us.”
Paul had some sound advice for Xavier as he continues on his amazing football path.
“It’s his journey, no one elses,” he said.
“To see that he’s taking the opportunity with both hands and giving it a crack. He understands he’s got to hang in there and keep plugging away and chasing that dream.
“Whether it comes to fruition or not, you want to say to yourself that you gave it a shot.”
He was joined in the squad by fellow St Mary’s talent Shaun Packer, who is on the extended reserves list.
The men’s U19s Origin match commences at 7.45pm.
BEAU FERMOR
HE mightn’t have made rep sides growing up in Dalby, but Beau Fermor finds himself in the one everyone in the Sunshine State want to be a part of.
The Titans back-rower was named as part of Billy Slater’s 22-man Queensland squad that is looking to seal the series in Game 2 in Perth on Sunday night.
Hailing from Dalby and playing for the Devils throughout his junior career, Fermor has had to work extremely hard to get to where he is today, with his father Craig paying tribute to his determination to stick at his goals of playing first grade.
“Beau’s had to work for everything he got,” Craig Fermor said.
“He was one of those kids that never made any rep sides as a teenager, and it’s purely through hard work he got noticed by the Storm back in the day.
“He took a risk and moved on to the Knights and made a fist of that. There was a couple of serious injuries, particularly his knee.
“But this is all he’s ever wanted to do. He’s one guy who is prepared to work hard and this is a reward for that.
“As his dad you see the sacrifices he has made that others don’t see.
“Some of the stuff we’ve had to do, the places we’ve had to take him and the cost. You don’t mind doing that when you see how hard he’s worked to get where he’s at.
“Nothing has been gifted.”
Craig coaches a junior Devils and said Beau has never forgotten his roots, always offering to help out the next generation of country footballers.
“He consistently makes an effort to come out and support the juniors,” he said.
“He regularly comes to training and will help run the water on occasions.”
While the Titans find themselves at the bottom of the NRL ladder, Fermor has been one of the most consistent performers along with captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, something his father said is a testament to the effort he always gives.
“Beau has worked terribly hard to get a regular spot in first grade,” he said.
“Making the squad reinforces that even though the team he’s playing for isn’t performing too well, he’s doing his job.
“I thought he was a little unfortunate to not get an opportunity in the first squad, but he’s got his chance now and he’s over the moon to get the chance to mix with an elite group of guys.”
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