NQ Women in League events:
ROUND 10 in the NRL sees the Women in League round in which many clubs have held high profile lunches and events for their communities and supporters.
But it is not just at the NRL level where women's involvement in rugby league is being celebrated.
In north Queensland this Friday, there will be a number of events being held to highlight and promote the many roles of women in our great game.
Other speakers in attendance will be record breaking, now retired Jillaroos captain Karyn Murphy, Caron Williams (wife of the Mackay Cutters coach), and Sue Geaghan, an amazing woman who has dedicated over 40 years to coaching junior rugby league.
While the afternoon will involve a Q&A session and other treats for attendees, one of the highlights will be a schoolgirls match played at the stadium.
Proceeds from this afternoon tea will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Cairns competition and WinL event:
Whilst there is no formal women's club competition running in Cairns this season, this has not stopped the passionate league players of far north Queensland lacing on the boots.
A nine-a-side women's match will be played this Friday, May 16 as part of an afternoon celebrating Women in League at the Kangaroos Leagues Club in Mooroobool.
Women who support league in various ways through volunteering, officiating or just supporting their clubs can come along for an enjoyable afternoon and watch as 18 women demonstrate their passion for league on the field.
Funds raised on the day will go to the Cancer Council's Biggest Morning Tea appeal.
Mackay name women’s squad (Mackay Cutters Media)
THREE pairs of sisters will form part of a strong Mackay and District Rugby League Women’s team that will play in the North Queensland Championships in Cairns on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1.
Shannon and Lea Piccinelli, Addie and Pia Poid, and Honey and Rangi Bruce are all part of a 19-strong squad that will prepare for the championships over the coming weeks. This squad will be trimmed to 17 before making the long trip to Cairns.
All players have participated in a three game City v Country series over the past six weeks as part of the selection process.
Mackay and North Queensland coach Tyson Muscat believes Mackay not only has the talent to challenge the other regions at the Championship but also a number of the players are capable of playing at a higher representative level.
“The women in Mackay do not get too many opportunities to play,” he said. “The pleasing thing is across the three games the standard continued to improve and the final game on Saturday night before the Cutters was a very high standard.”
It is hoped by exposing the women to the representative pathway available in the game, it will assist in developing a sustainable week-to-week competition in the local area.
NRL Development Officer and leading women’s player Renae Kunst is working hard to create continued interest in the women’s game.
“We currently have a schoolgirls competition running on a Tuesday afternoon and the numbers are very strong,” she said.
Mackay Women’s Sea Eagles
Shanniah Poid, Honey Bruce, Lea Piccinelli, Shannon Piccinelli, Polly Tapim, Seba Bourne, Adeline Poid, Jessica Scoble, Yvette Porter, Jasmine Hennaway, Bianca Amburn, Sipa Fithefu, Leticia Perkins, Pia Poid, Natalie Perawwiti, Roslyn Rountree, Rangi Bruce, Rikka Rankin, Priscilla McDonald.
Staff: Tyson Muscat (Coach), Julie Nielsen (Manager), Trigger Bathe (FAO), Shanaye Taylor (Leaguesafe)
