This season will see the introduction of a new and exciting development program across QRL Central Division which will specifically target emerging female players. 

Players will be given the chance to nominate for a series of four development camps in key locations across the Division, with the Sunshine Coast, Emerald, Gladstone and Toowoomba hosting events through March and early April. 

The program caters both for emerging players who may have been part of junior representative programs in the past and those that are new to the game at senior level. 

The female game is the fastest growing participation space in rugby league and Central Division Manager Glenn Ottaway indicated the emerging program covered a significant gap in the player development pathway.

“We have had several years now where Under 16 girls have participated in the State Junior Carnival,” he said.

“Previously, their next opportunity to be part of the representative pathway was in open age company.  This program has been designed in part with that gap in mind.”

Central Division has shown rapid growth in female participation and this has been reflected in the number of female players that have developed from the Division in to Queensland Women’s Team and national level players. 

“Our open age female program has evolved over the last four to five years and this is shown in recent results at the state carnival.

“We have a few higher level representative players still in our program, but we also need to keep nurturing the talent underneath this program.” 

Early indications are that the elite female players from the Division will support the program with Jillaroos flyer Chelsea Baker already confirmed to attend the Gladstone Development session.

The first of the sessions will be held on the Sunshine Coast (Nambour) and this will be followed by special event in Emerald on March 25.

The Highlands Hit-Out is a female specific annual event hosted by the Central Highlands Rugby League. 

“It is a great showcase for the female game and will be a good early indicator for staff of the depth of female talent in the Division,” Ottaway said.

“Newly appointed Queensland Women’s coach Adrian Vowles is also confirmed as a special guest for the event.”

For more information on the development session nearest to you, contact QRL Operations Manager Jodie Teys on j.teys@qrl.com.au.