Stars still ready to strike gold: Hoepper
JUST as they had established something historic, coronavirus ripped it away.
But despite the cancellation of the inaugural QRLW competition, North Queensland Gold Stars captain Jenni-sue Hoepper believes greater progression of women’s rugby league is to come.
The recipient of the first ever women’s Dally M Medal captained the side to a first-up win against Brothers Ipswich in the opening round of the breakthrough competition.
Its demise was recently followed by the end of the Foley Shield for 2020 – a cornerstone tournament for North Queensland players to showcase their abilities in representative environments.
The Northern Marlins will also not have fixtures this year.
However Hoepper said North Queensland coaching staff had kept tabs on prospective stars for years now, and emerging talent would not be deprived of an opportunity to get into the squad in 2021.
“I think everywhere there’s been a bit of a setback, obviously not playing much footy it’s going to be difficult for those girls who are trying to crack into the squad,” she said.
“But I do know that for those younger girls the coaching staff have been keeping an eye out … especially Ben Jeffries, he’s kept track of those young girls coming through.
“I do think it’s always been a great opportunity for girls to be able to showcase their skills, so it is always going to be a loss not being able to play in the Foley Shield.” Hoepper said the great strides made by the NRL to get the elite competition off the ground had given her hope the Townsville women’s league could still get on the field this year.