Women’s pathways in focus for rugby league representative season

FEMALE participation and the continued growth of the women’s game will be highlighted when Northern Rivers hosts its first junior representative round of the season.

The Lisa Fiaola Regional Cup under-17s girls’ competition will be held on Saturday, February 14 at Crozier Field, Lismore.

There will be boys and girls games between the Northern Rivers Titans and the North Coast Bulldogs.

The Northern Rivers side forms a pathway to the NRLW with the Titans, with Phoenix-Raine Hippi and Lily Patston both making their debuts on the Gold Coast last season.

Former NRL player and Mullumbimby product Aaron Booth has been heavily involved in the Titans women’s pathways program this year, working closely with the Northern Rivers squads.

“I’ve been working with the Lisa Fiaola under-17s and the open women’s Northern Rivers Titans squad since October last year,” Booth said.

“My role has been part selection, part on-field support, and helping to strengthen a program that in the past has been a bit disconnected due to a lack of human resources.

“Having pathways as part of my role, and being from the Northern Rivers, it’s been a perfect opportunity to give back and build a stronger connection with the Titans brand.”

Hippi recently returned to the region to feature in a development match for the Northern Rivers women’s side, alongside Titans and NSW winger Jaime Chapman.

Chapman, who began her career with the Tweed Seagulls, is one of the most prolific try-scorers in the NRLW.

“It’s awesome to see how much they’re loved by the community down there,” Booth said.

“Hopefully the younger girls can follow in their footsteps and progress into our program in the near future.”

The round will also feature matches in the under-16 boys Andrew Johns Cup and under-18s Laurie Daley Cup competitions.

Both teams had a bye in round two, with the under-18s coming off an impressive 34-16 win over the Monaro Colts.

The under-16s will be looking to bounce back after a 30-10 loss in their last outing.

Games will be played from 10am.