TOWNSVILLE WOMEN SET FOR NEW ERA
IT is a milestone that could have a major impact on regional rugby union.
With seven Townsville women selected in the inaugural Queensland Country outfit to head to Adelaide, Jesse Schwartz believes a pathway has been opened to rejuvenate the sport in North Queensland.
Now there is a clear pathway for women to thrive on the game’s biggest stage, the Brolgas forward believed the time was right for the next generation of players to step up.
“Rugby has changed in the last 10 years on multiple levels … hopefully a range of girls get a bit hungrier,” she said. “There have been people who have been working hard for 10 years to see this happen. It’s beautiful to hear their hearts pour into rugby and see the next step unfold for them.”
While excited to see all the talent on display at the Country Championships, it was the exploits of Ellie Gray that Schwartz was particularly eager to see.
Gray’s sister, Mollie, has featured for the Wallaroos in years past, giving her sibling the perfect insight into what it takes to thrive on the field.
“She’s had a shadow to play into and now she’s getting a name for herself,” Schwartz said of the utility.
“She’s got good communication and insight, she just continues to move and make the hits.”