Forwards take the lead
Peters, Elliston given licence to attack
THERE has been an exodus in leadership at the Tweed Seagulls, but co-coach Lambros To’omaga has declared he has the players to fill the void.
Gold Coast NRLW stars Rona Peters and Jessika Elliston will captain the team in its Queensland Cup title bid, with Peters shifting from prop to replace former skipper and lock Georgia Hale.
Hale has joined her partner and fellow former Titan Sam Lisone at Leeds Rhinos, taking with her 19 NRLW games of experiences as well as 13 international caps for New Zealand.
She is joined in the outgoing brigade by Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Jada Ferguson (Norths Devils) and rising star Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Souths Logan Magpies).
Jillaroos sensation Tarryn Aiken is also yet to determine where she will lace the boots.
However, as much as Hale and the like brought to the club as leaders and experienced talents, To’omaga has entrusted Peters and Elliston to lay the platform for the attacking brand of football he is intent on bringing to Tweed.
“Rona Peters is obviously our most experienced player. She has the respect from not just our team but everybody in the competition, so she’s definitely a luxury for us to have in the squad for her experience and knowledge,” he said of the former Maroons enforcer.
“Having those two in the squad up front doing the tough stuff, they both know how to talk but can back it up and walk the walk.”
To’omaga and fellow mentor Lawrence Faifua will seek to implement an expansive brand of rugby league courtesy of the lightning speed on offer in the outside backs.
The likes of Jaime Chapman, Bridget Hoy and Daisy Gordon have all be timed about the 5.5 second mark in the 40m sprint, and less than two seconds in the 10m dash.
But the Seagulls will be sweating on Brooke Saddler, who missed much of last season due to injury.
Saddler has been on the NRLW periphery since she was elevated from the Titans development list last season, however an ankle concern kept her to two QRLW appearances in 2022.
In that time, the 22-year-old still managed four tries – including a season-opening hattrick against the North Queensland Gold Stars – and To’omaga has tipped her to return with a vengeance.
“We love Brookie, she has had some troubles with that ankle throughout the preseason but is definitely putting in the work,” he said.
“Obviously the return is still unsure of when she will be available to come back, but we’re happy with Brookie and what she brings to the team.
“We’re definitely hoping we can get her pushed up. Her communication is probably her strongest trait, and obviously as a fullback with her attack she backs herself 100 per cent.
“If she’s in space she’s away and she won’t look back.”
The Seagulls open against the Capras on Saturday, March 11, in Rockhampton.