Women's league gains momentum

Adelaide Baumann wants to play women’s rugby league and attends a training session at Salter oval held by Australian Rugby League development officer Matt Palin.

MAX FLEET

BUILD it and they will come.

That is the motto Bundaberg Rugby League is sticking by in their development of an inaugural women’s league this season.

The BRL held a come and try day yesterday afternoon, after promoting the event at schools and halls during the past few weeks.

Greeting the girls at Salter Oval was a myriad markers and balls, with ARL development officer for the Wide Bay region Matt Palin at the helm.

Another eager eye was Rebecca Taylor - the mover and shaker behind the instalment of women’s league on the Bundaberg calendar.

“We are still trying to get the word out there to all the girls, build some momentum and develop the idea to introduce this season,” Taylor said.

“There are a lot of girls out there who enjoy watching football, whether it be on television, or watching their friends or brothers, so it’s about time they were given a chance to have a go themselves.”

Previously girls were able to play in junior competition until under 12, when they were forced to find another sport.

“I think it was just accepted as the way it was, but not anymore. We have girls demanding they are able to play,” Taylor said.

Simone Van den Keiboom is among the youngsters leading charge, and has returned from a recent QRL girl’s development camp with renewed interest.

An ankle injury ruled her out of yesterday’s clinic, but she has found some willing allies in the group that assembled at Salter.

“They are coming out of the woodwork. It’s great to see and we hope it grows,” Taylor said.

“A lot play at school at some stage, so it’s just a matter of transferring that to social play on the weekends.”

The BRL recently backed the formation of a senior women’s competition, consisting of Hervey Bay, Childers and Bundaberg.

An under 15 competition is also planned, but much depends on who shows up on the day.

“If we get a lot of 16-year-olds turning up, then we’ll cater for it. It’s a work in progress at the moment,” Taylor said.

They have ground to make up on Maryborough, who boast an intimidating side, but Taylor is optimistic that her fledgling side will soon make up ground on their Wide Bay rivals.