AXING INSPIRED TRY-SCORING STAR
AN axing two games into her Queensland Cup career has proven to be the catalyst of Felice Quinlan’s remarkable try-scoring streak, as the Burleigh centre hunts a maiden NRLW berth.
It took the Bears star just five minutes to cross the line in Saturday’s 16-0 triumph over the Central Coast Capras, taking her to nine tries in the past six matches while scoring in each.
While continuing delays in the announcement of an NRLW 2023 draw have made it challenging for players to cement their futures, Quinlan has begun to showcase a level of consistency born out of last year’s reality check that could thrust her into calculations.
Given the success the Bears have undergone since the QRLW launched in 2020 — winning a title and losing just four games — several emerging talents could be on the radar of national clubs as the NRLW expands to 10 teams this year.
Burleigh coach Scott Cooke said a draw needed to be locked in sooner rather than later so players could juggle their work and living situations depending on where they could end up.
As for Quinlan, he said a two game stint on the sidelines when she was dropped in her debut campaign was returned with a new-found mentality that inspired her accelerated development.
“I think we were just looking for a bit more effort off the footy and even with the footy when it was her turn to carry off the line,” Cooke said.
“There were some basic errors at that time, but when she got back she just lifted a little bit and that’s all that was needed.
“Maybe it was early nerves stepping up a level but then she just pulled her head in; (plus) the fact she runs really tough lines on that edge.
“I think we’ve been fortunate to make sure she’s got a good strong work ethic coming off our own try line.”
Despite the round 2 scoreline and his side’s 2-0 start to the season, Cooke warned the rest of the competition the Bears were far from their best.
Errors in the sweltering conditions kept the maroon and white outfit on the back foot at times, and the coach said if they were to produce the same this week against the Mackay Cutters they would be in for a rude shock.