Boyle bolting into a stint at the Bears
WALLAROOS representative Millie Boyle will juggle footy codes to join Burleigh’s shot at a fifth straight South East Queensland women’s division one premiership next year.
League runs in the Boyle family’s veins. Her father David played 117 first grade matches for the Canberra Raiders and her brother Morgan is entering his third NRL season at the Gold Coast Titans.
Millie herself played league as a junior in her NSW hometown of Cobargo before taking on now Jillaroos star Kezie Apps, who also grew up in the Bega region, in league tag.
The 20-year-old’s recent rugby pursuits have been plagued by injuries, with the Bears presenting her with a chance for frequent game time as well as a new avenue.
“I’m really excited, I haven’t played league in a while,” Boyle said.
“I just wanted to play a bit of regular footy and I’m just around the corner from the Bears.
“My brother has played there and I just wanted to get back into it and see how I go with it.”
Boyle confirmed she intends to continue playing 15a-side rugby and sevens as well as league.
It was through Bond University’s sevens program that she has built a connection with Bears mentor Tahnee Norris, who is also part of the Bullsharks’ coaching staff.
Norris believes Boyle can ace the transition to the 13woman code.
“There’s massive potential for her to make that representative level for rugby league, and she’s a good person to have around the team environment as well,” she said.
Boyle admitted it was “a bit daunting” to be coming into an all-conquering Burleigh squad that boasts highprofile players such as Zahara Temara and Tazmin Gray.
“It’s exciting though, they are obviously a very tight knit group and I know a couple of the girls and they’re all awesome players on the field and even better off,” Boyle said.
“Their success is obviously something that has come with hard work and their coach Tahnee so I am really looking forward to joining them.”
The make-up of the 2019 division one competition is unclear at this stage, although Tweed Heads are likely to be added.
Burleigh will hold an open trial on Wednesday night next week, with plenty of interest from new players already shown.