Persistence paying off

Parkwood one of three women’s sides promoted

PARKWOOD Sharks president Ronan Byrne believes confirmation of his club’s inaugural open women’s rugby league side is the result of their prolonged investment in female footy.

The Sharks are one of three new Gold Coast teams that will compete in various South East Queensland women’s compeIT titions. They will join division three, while the Rona Petersled Runaway Bay will start in division two and Tweed have been accepted into the top tier.

Parkwood were late additions to what will now be an eight-team southern division that also includes Mudgeeraba, Beaudesert and Jimboomba – they will host the latter in Round 1 on March 30.

The club’s entry comes off the back of fielding junior girls’ teams in both 2017 and 2018.

“The investment that we put into girls footy is obviously now bearing its fruit as those girls now become women,” Byrne said.

“The girls are very committed, very dedicated and very excited about this outcome.”

Byrne added their opens team will be called on to guide their up-and-coming talent in under-14 and under-16 age groups.

Up at Runaway Bay, Broncos NRLW representative Rona Peters has been a chief architect in pulling a new team together for the league.

Peters left four-time division one defending premiers Burleigh to start a team from scratch and Bay’s first test will come in the form of Carina (away) in Round 1.

Reigning runners-up Southport are back for another year in division two, while Ormeau have promoted after reaching the division three preliminary final last year.

In first division, Burleigh and Tweed will both be away in Round 1. The Seagulls will face Easts on March 30, while the Bears will square off with Souths the following day.

The maiden derby between the two Coast teams will be in Round 4 on April 27 at Pizzey Park.

Rugby League Gold Coast manager Scott Dunshea said the above clubs have a role to play for many years to come so as to avoid instability.

“We’ll nominate those teams so then each year the girls know that’s where they go to,” he said.