Air of confidence in Tweed women’s team
TWEED are flying high on the field and are now soaring off it as well.
The Seagulls have joined forces with Gold Coast Airport and will make history on Sunday when their women’s team line up in the inaugural QRLW competition, capping strong gains by the club in the fastest growing part of the code.
Tweed fielded a women’s team for the first time only last season in the SEQ Women’s competition, yet developed quickly enough to be included in the eight-team state league.
The Seagulls play Souths Logan (1.20pm) in a curtainraiser to the men’s Intrust Super Cup clash with Northern Pride (3pm) at Piggabeen Oval on Sunday.
“It is a tremendous reward for the effort of the girls and the coaching staff last season to earn entry into the first BHP Premiership – and also a great recognition of the board’s decision to pursue what is the quickest growing part of rugby league,” outgoing Seagulls CEO Paul Stephenson said.
“Without the support of the Gold Coast Airport, however, this would not have been possible. Their sponsorship and ongoing support of the team has made it financially viable.”
Tweed last year produced their first Origin women’s player in back-rower Jessika Elliston. In October halfback/ hooker Tarryn Aiken, who like Elliston is contracted to the Brisbane team, played for Australia in the end-of-season World Cup Nines competition.
Coach Mike Castle, who takes over from Kelvin Wright, expects further improvement.
“The bulk of last year’s squad are still with us and will benefit greatly from last season’s experience and we have been fortunate to add some experienced players too,” he said.