More rugby league honours are Amy and Skye’s reward
TWO footballers who grew up playing soccer in the west have been selected to represent Country North in this month’s blockbuster that has NSW State of Origin jerseys as the prize.
Amy Broadhead (Dubbo) and Skye Lovett (Narromine) represent CRL Newcastle in the NSW Women’s Premiership as well as their junior clubs in the fledgling Central Hunter competition.
They will run out with World Cup winning Jillaroos Nakia Davis Welsh, Sam Bremner, Isabelle Kelly, Kezie Apps and Australian captain Ruan Sims on Saturday week, April 14. Parkes’ second-rower and Orange junior Vanessa Foliaki will also be on the field when Northern Country tackle Southern on the same program as the Laurie Daley (U18s) and Andrew Johns (16s) men’s finals.
Amy and Skye will face off against five players from the Western Rams – Ella Harris and Sally Dwyer (both ex-parkes Spacecats now playing for Group 10), Rebecca Ford (Orange), Grace Mooney (Blayney) and one of the best basketballers in the NSW State League, Haylee Lepaio from Bathurst.
The CRL Northern and Southern Women’s Trial represents another step in the sequential pathway for female players to progress from local competitions to the elite level and will feature, alongside current Jillaroos and NRL Elite Level Representatives, some of the brightest young talent from across Regional NSW.
Country Rugby League CEO Terry Quinn believes the high level of talent selected for the trial is testament to the strength of the game in Regional NSW.
“It’s a fantastic time for women’s rugby league and having nine current Jillaroos trialling for Country Representative jerseys is a strong indication of the talent coming from Regional NSW,” said Quinn.
“It’s also been great to see how many girls are waiting in the wings for their opportunity to progress along the pathway and some of those players will get their opportunity in the Northern and Southern Trial.” MASTELLOTTO
Athletics community remembers Joyce Mackie
THE Dubbo sporting community is gathering today (Thursday) to farewell a much-loved contributor.
Dubbo Athletics Association Life Member Joyce Mackie passed away over the Easter weekend.
Mrs Mackie and her late husband Jack devoted countless hours to the club, coaching, administering and working hard to ensure kids had an opportunity.
Joyce and Jack are survived by their children Jenny, Graeme and Chrissy and their families.
Macquarie to raid Tomingley next weekend
DUBBO Macquarie Raiders are all set for a big day at the races on Saturday, April 21.
Organisers have extended an invitation to all who have played for, been involved with administration or “just love the Blues” to join them on the bus.
The original motive was to turn back the clock to 2008 when Craig Roworth led Macquarie to a 14-6 win over CYMS in the first Group XI grand final played under lights.
Jim Kelly coached the Raiders to an upset against the Minor Premiers that night. David Peachey scored two tries, Country Captain and many times 2DU Regency Jewellers Player of the Year Darren Jackson controlled the ruck, while tough-as-nails fullback Peter Boon was proclaimed a hero after stunning CYMS flyer Epa Navale over the line, preventing a try that would have seen the Fishies back in the contest.
Anyone who is interested in a day trackside before they go to the touchline, can contact Gavin Board on 0433 837 007.