TRAILBLAZERS: THE FEMALE PLAYERS CREATING A LEGACY
Hopefully we get more girls coming through Emily Young
RUGBY LEAGUE: Years ago a fully fledged women’s league in Toowoomba was merely a pipe dream, something put in the too hard basket.
Progressively pathways have become clearer, with junior divisions on offer for girls.
Then the final piece of the puzzle was introduced this year, with the TRL’s open women’s division coming to light.
Seven teams earned their place in history, and now four will vie for the right to be crowned as inaugural premiers.
With legacies on the line, we look at three trailblazing women who are set to lead their teams and regions to glory.
EMILY YOUNG (NEWTOWN)
Emily Young carries on the legacy of a famous league surname in Toowoomba, but is forging a path of her own.
The Newtown halfback has enjoyed a previous stint with South Sydney in the NSW competition, and realises the importance of building strong women’s players locally.
“Being an experienced player not only at Newtown but in the competition, it’s a privilege for me,” Young said.
“I’ve played with most of the girls in the comp, and to play against them is good for the TRL and for women in league.
“Hopefully we get more girls coming through the sport. When I play against the younger girls it’s competitive on the field, but I like to give them advice off it.
“To make a grand final would be pretty awesome, especially in the first year. I’ve played in a couple of grand finals in the Brisbane comp and it was an awesome experience.”
LISA CROFT (WARWICK)
The ability to play in a high-level competition right here on the Downs has been a relief for Cowboys captain Lisa Croft.
Previously travelling to Brisbane to get the chance to play, Croft said having a well-supported league right here in Toowoomba has lifted their spirits.
“It’s good to be able to have the opportunity to play at home and have the support of the local community,” Croft said.
“Sometimes the hype of the women’s comp has helped bring those crowds in for the men later in the day. It’s happened across most clubs which is great.
“We get really good crowds at home and away. We always like running into the can bar in the second half so they can get us over the line.
“Travel does take its toll, so it’s great that we can play local. It’s easy to get to training and that accessibility is there.
“I hope that it continues because sometimes things like this can fall apart. With the junior pathways we have through school sport and the junior girls’ comp, I think we will be able to maintain the momentum going forward.”
COURTNEY ROBINSON (GATTON)
For Courtney Robinson, a previous Queensland representative, she said the chance to play with Gatton has rejuvenated her career.
The Hawks have been the benchmark throughout the season, and Robinson believes the chance to work alongside a youthful, enthusiastic group is paying dividends.
“I took a year off footy and didn’t really want to play,” she said.
“I’ve always lived around Gatton and never played in Toowoomba.
“This year is bringing back a love for the sport. All the girls have been great.
“Going in there at the start, everyone was in their little groups, but we’ve all come together and just have energy that feeds off each other.
“I came in halfway through the season, and I’m glad I did.
“Having some of us older girls that have made grand finals, we just remind the girls to keep our heads down and stay humble. We have to earn the right to play in those big games.”