Sport
10 January, 2025
Chance to see Far North women’s rugby league at its best this weekend at Northern Pride Barlow Park trial game
THE stakes are high for a spot on the Cairns BMD women’s state league squad with an open trial to be held tomorrow at West Barlow Park.
Northern Pride head coach Colin Wilkie said, while the team had already attracted an exciting number of “quality, high profile players”, this was the first trial open to everyone to vie for one of only eight spots left on the squad.
“I’ve been chipping away to develop a predominately local team,” he said. “But this weekend is for those players who are over the age of 19 that are here and want to try their hand at the next level.”
Part of this chipping away, since the Cairns inclusion in the league announced in October, was also to lure players back to their hometown.
“We’ve got a lot of experienced players, who, because we’ve never had a (state) team here, had to move away to play. So my first port of call was to bring those girls home so they can continue their rugby league journey at the level that they were playing ... and they’re coming back, which is really good.”
While player signings are mostly under wraps, some names have already hit the headlines, such as Kangaroos premiership captain Genavie Tabuai and local, state and national trailblazer, Jenni-Sue Hoepper.
The Northern Pride under 17s and 19s in pathway would also have the opportunity to come up to the BMD, which began in June, Mr Wilkie said.
In the meantime, Saturday’s Kenfrost Homes Northern Pride 2025 BMD trial game provides an opportunity for spectators to see BMD potential players tough it out.
Mr Wilkie has already earmarked three players he is keen to assess. Indianna Tillett is the reigning FNQRL female player of the year and a “likely contender” (her father Stephen plays NRL for the Cowboys and sister Tahlulah plays NRLW for the Cowboys).
“She has not played at (state) level – not yet – although the plan is she will this year,” he said.
Etuina Suavai was a Cairns junior who came through Northern Pride pathways and has had previous BMD experience.
“She’s now living locally, she came back and played in the local comp last year, and was a member of the Kangaroos 2024 FNQRL premiership team. She’s another one who’s very likely to get a contract.”
A third player to watch out for was Jonah Donovan.
“So Indianna’s come from a pedigree, Etuina’s been there, done that and now gets another opportunity, and Jonah, well she’s just whole different kettle of fish,” Mr Wilkie said.
“She’s based in Weipa, and I saw her play at the end of last year in a carnival. She’s extremely tough and plays the game hard.
“She’s a mother, she’s got a couple of kids and is looking at relocating down to Cairns.”
It was, Mr Wilkie said, what it was all about.
“Yeah, us getting into the state league, the BMD, and players like Jonah, it’s giving opportunity to people who would not normally be afforded it.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how she goes. She’s cut from the right cloth.”
Mr Wilkie said after the weekend game an extended squad would be selected as part of a four-week training program. “Our BMD squad will then come in straight after Easter to prepare for the BMD league season in June” he said. “It’s all happening. I’m a father of a daughter myself and women’s sport as whole now is so exciting, no matter what code.”
The Kenfrost Homes Northern Pride 2025 BMD trial game is on Saturday 11 January 2025 with kick-off at 2.30pm at West Barlow Park.
