Team makes history on the back of ex-jillaroos’s call to arms Gold Stars sparkle in win

HISTORY beckoned for Jenni-sue Hoepper as she prepared to lead the North Queensland Gold Stars out for the first QRLW clash.

Despite what she has achieved in rugby league already, the moment gave her goosebumps.

It was an impassioned pregame speech from former Jillaroo Deanna Turner that started the chills.

It illustrated to Hoepper that she was not just playing for the Gold Stars but

North Queensland.

“I’m very respectful of the ladies who have paved the way. If it wasn’t for ladies like herself we wouldn’t have this opportunity right now,” the State of Origin halfback said.

“She spoke about who we’re representing and that there’s players in the past who have come out of North Queensland and gone to represent Queensland and Australia.

“She said to go out there and remember who we’re representing and play for the girl all of next to you. Those words really meant a lot.”

The inspiration acted as something of a catalyst in the 24-10 win against Brothers Ipswich.

While their rivals were without Brisbane Bronco Ali Brigginshaw, a host of NRLW players including Brittany Breayley lined up for the hosts.

But it did little to derail an emotionally charged Gold Stars contingent who adopted the lessons they learned in their trial match with the Capras.

Hoepper said improved communication was a key talking point in the lead up, and from there the flow-on generated a complete performance.

“I think what was really great was we made our stamp on this competition and it shows we’re here to give this competition a good crack,” Hoepper said.

“From the beginning right from the kick off to the end our communication was great and with that came all the one percenters. The girls put in that extra effort for one another.”

The club’s first try in the competition came from Riutoto Te Hiko, who Hoepper identified pre-game as a player to watch.

The captain had already been impressed by the young forward’s strength, mobility and work ethic and said she was one of many who stood up when the grind of the contest kicked in.

“I was fortunate enough to room with her over the weekend and I was able to have a chat to her about how she was feeling in the middle and what was expected of her,” Hoepper said.

“I just told her to back herself and have confidence. It was a special moment for her to get over and score the first try (but) we’ve got a lot of young girls coming through who played awesome as well.

“They played well and did their part, which showed, and I’m excited to keep building and improving each week.”

The North Queensland Gold Stars will next take on the Burleigh Bears on the Gold Coast.