Already looking to next year, Inverell Highlanders are thrilled with the line-up of talent in the women’s competition.
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With some of the top players in the state keen to join the North Central side next year, the club is inviting all interested local ladies to come and learn more about the competition this Friday.
Just last weekend, Warialda’s Rhiannon Byers did her region proud, captaining the NSW under 17s white side to victory in the plate final.
“I’m just keen to get out there and show them what the go is,” she said on Friday. Byers has big dreams and hopes to follow classmate Tiarna Malloy into the Australian Youth Squad next year. Friends with members of Australia’s gold-medal winning team, the Olympics are also in her sights.
“I hope one time I’ll be out there,” she said.
Along with her national success, Byers, along with her teammates Atalia Walton and Molly Kennedy, is excited to play with the Highlanders next season.
“It’s a good way to get involved with sports and to meet new people,” Walton said. Selected in the Northern Inland Academy of Sports team last year, 14-year-old Walton has been playing rugby sevens for three years. She said the highlight so far was winning the state championships with her Warialda High team in 2015.
Co-captaining Central North with Byers this year, Kennedy said the pair endeavoured to lead with optimism.
“Just trying to keep them encouraged. Never look on the mistakes. We always try to keep everyone happy and calm so then we can all communicate and play as a team,” she said. Kennedy also represented NIAS, was selected in the Lloyd McDermott under 17s squad and the NSW Blue Bells training squad.
With both an under 17s and an open rugby sevens competition going ahead next year, local women keen to to take part are invited to Friday’s information night at the rugby club from 5.30pm.
“Anyone is welcome,” A Grade Coach Tom Davidson said. He said that with strong support from the NSW Waratahs development staff, the competition would cater to all skill levels.
“Whether you’ve played before or not at all, we’re interested in having you.”
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
