Banu writes new chapter in her story
ESSAY Banu is the prime example of what a player has to do if they want to succeed, according to Indigenous All Stars women’s coach Ben Jeffries.
Banu is one of the three Far North footballers in New Zealand representing the Indigenous All Stars in the pre-season clash.
She has been named to come off the bench, with Cairns superstar halfback Tahlulah Tillett named to start her second All Stars game and Sareka Mooka to debut in the front row.
The All Stars concept is being played in New Zealand for the first time, with Saturday’s games to be played at Rotorua International Stadium.
It is Banu’s latest step of her whirlwind journey.
She burst on to the scene when a video of her running over schoolgirls defenders while playing for Peninsula went viral.
A former member of Northern Pride’s under-19s, she moved to Brisbane to play for WynnumManly in the BMD Premiership last year and dominated.
She was named Prop of the Year after a breakout season with the Seagulls, then played for PNG at the Rugby League World Cup. Jeffries has been along for the ride for the most part.
An elite pathways coach for the Cowboys, he coached PNG Orchids, and will coach the Cowboys when they make their NRLW debut.
And he said Banu was ticking all the right boxes.
“They’ve gone from club football to international football and All Stars within 12 months, which is a rapid rise,” Jeffries said.
“It’s their application, who they are as people, things like manners and punctuality go a long way.
“I was with Essay for the World Cup, she’s got a story to tell for all of NQ.
“She got out of the comfort zone, developed, overcame barriers and came through the brick wall like a shining light.
“That’s something she can be proud of. I’m proud of her.”
The women’s All Stars game kicks off at 12.30pm (AEST), with the men’s game from 2.45pm.