TRIUMPH IN TOWNSVILLE Coach and hooker celebrate All Stars’ victory

LOCAL rugby league coach, Jess Skinner from Trangie, is on top of the world, after guiding the Indigenous All Stars to a 26-4 win against the Maori Ferns to regain the Fanning-murphy Trophy in Townsville on Friday night.

The former Trangie Central School Principal, who is now the NRL Pathways Development Manager, became the first women to coach the All Stars in the annual clash celebrating rugby league’s strong Indigenous representation.

However, her triumph has been no overnight success, she was eventually handed the top job after spending three years as an assistant.

“I am so proud of what we achieved,” a buoyant Jess said.

“The whole week in camp, was about bonding and learning and sharing our culture so to bring it all together on the field was just incredible,” she smiled with pride.

Jess was especially proud of young local hooker, Taneka Todhunter, who came-on from the bench.

“Tanika is a true-blue country kid; she has come from Western Rams Under 17s, to earn a threeyear NRLW contract with the Roosters.

“Like all ‘bushies’, Tanika can thank her grandparents who have travelled with her to Sydney sometimes two and three times a week, just to train and follow her dream.”

Jess says Tamika deserves all the good things she has worked for, especially as she has to work to pay her way.

“Tam is a construction worker; like all of our female players, there is no full-time professional positions at present but, with her energy and increasing level of strength, there is no doubt she will be there soon,” jess predicted.

“The NRLW is growing in status and the number of teams, but it is still a little way off; working outside of the game, is great for her physically and mentally.”

Jess is also chuffed that the Castlereagh League has introduced the Jessica Skinner Trophy for the local League Tag competition. “It is a real honour.

“I’m a Trangie girl, I’ve played League Tag and tackle for the Castlereagh and, to be around now as new players are emerging across the ages, is very heartening.”

Jess now works full-time with the NRL, but says she will return to teaching at some stage.

“I miss the interaction with the kids and mentoring young teachers coming through.

“I keep my hand in at the schools, and will return to my vocation once I have achieved a couple more goals,” Jess said.

Coaching the Indigenous All Stars to a win on Friday night was one tick; taking the NSW Gems to the Nationals in a few weeks will be another, but she admits that there is a bigger lure for the rugby league fanatic.

“I am aiming for the 2026 World Cup with the Jillaroos!”