Emotion drives big win
THEY had his name and face emblazoned over their hearts, and the Jumma Gummas played with as much passion on the field as the late Sam Reuben showed off it.
A proud indigenous advocate and rugby league tragic, Reuben tragically died earlier this year but that did not mean he was far away from the 33rd annual Bindal Sharks United All Blacks Carnival.
The Jumma Gummas played in honour of Reuben, and it was the emotion that spirited them to a dominant 32-0 final win over Mackay Stallions to lift the women’s shield on Saturday night.
And pulling the strings in the centre of the park was inaugural female Dally M winner and former Australian Jillaroo Jenni-sue Hoepper.
“It is really good to be able to come out here and represent Sammy, to play for his memorial team. When I got the call up to play, I could not say no because he did so much for the game here in Townsville and all around and the women’s game as well,” Hoepper said.
“I am really happy to play underneath his name and I think we all really came together and embraced what we were playing for.
“Being able to play with the emotion.
“Everyone in the team their efforts were outstanding. I don’t think one person can really stand out because everyone put in an amazing effort.”
Player of the final centre Shaniah Power was unstoppable in attack for the Jummas, scoring an impressive try against the Stallions. The rest of the tries were shared evenly with one apiece to Theresa Anderson, Samarth Leisha, ToriLeigh Smith, Rothana Baira and tournament-best forward Lyrech Mara.
Jummas young powerhouse Samara Luta took out the award for player of the tournament while Stallions backline star Shayla Barbar was awarded best back.
But Hopper believed there were plenty more women who showed off their talents and suggested the growing crop of future NRLW stars was strong in North Queensland.
“There were plenty of girls across all teams who definitely have the potential to get there,” she said.
“If we keep providing opportunities for girls to just keep playing football throughout the year it is going to come.
“The announcement of the Cowboys academy for next year that really just provides more opportunities for us girls up this way, and gives us something more to strive for.”