Courage all around in Kirwan Cup effort

HANNAH Norford believes there are several future NRLW stars within her ranks, and the Grizzlies efforts on Wednesday proved just that.

The Kirwan coach watched on as her side proved a handful in the Karyn Murphy Cup, making it all the way to the final before falling to Keebra Park State High School 24-8.

Heart and passion became the Townsville outfit’s most valuable traits against heavyweight girls rugby league rivals, and now the stage is set for the group to become forces on grander stages.

Be it the 45m effort from forward Chloe Watson – who at one point “had six or seven girls hanging off her” in the charge – or the way in which the collective stood up against fancied opposition, Norford said the group as a whole amazed her with the character they showed.

But none more so than hooker Jairel Martin-savage, who was recognised as the player of the carnival.

“Every game she did her job consistently, and she played with a couple of injuries to cover the other girls,” Norford said. “She’s a very selfless player and took every opportunity she could. She had great vision, when there was an opportunity she took it, and when that opportunity wasn’t on she spread it wide and played very smart and aggressive.

“I definitely think there are some (who could reach the NRLW), they’re passionate about rugby league and there’s a lot of talent in there.

“The whole idea is to keep giving them competition at this standard so they can continue to improve. It’s about giving them more exposure to that higher standard.”