https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/townsville-junior-shaniah-power-to-take-centre-stage-for-all-stars/news-story/dda274899aaa50ab1ccb327069f468d6 SHE has already lined up alongside greats of the game, and now Shaniah Power is set to become one of them. As a 17-year-old playing for the Northern Marlins, the backrower stood with a contingent full of high calibre talent. Renae Kunst, Karyn Murphy, Tash Baggow — these athletes have achieved so much and Power was ecstatic to be on the same field. Now, following her selection in the Indigenous All Stars side, she has the platform to emulate the respected trio. “I definitely felt like crying,” Power said of her recent selection.
“It was excitement and a bit of relief making the side, just for the opportunity to play with some incredibly talented girls and be able to share my culture. “I haven’t had a lot to do with my culture so I think it’s going to be an experience for me to learn more about myself.” Power was briefly enticed to rugby union a few years ago, but the allure of the Townsville women’s competition drew her back and she turned out for the Western Lions in 2019. She was brought into the Cowboys Women’s Academy when it launched late last year and has felt her game go to a new level in a short space of time. With the All Stars match and inaugural North Queensland Gold Stars trials on the horizon a wealth of doors have been opened for the talented forward. “Even just the last year I’ve learned more about football than I have the whole time I’ve been playing,” Power said. “I know I have so much more to learn, so I’m keen to build my skills and I think with Cowboys academy and Gold Stars gives me the chance to do that. “It’s awesome, the pathways that are available that weren’t available for us girls up norths is a bit overwhelming.” Power will be joined in the All Stars squad by four Cowboys Academy teammates including inaugural female Dally M winner Jenni-Sue Hoepper, Steph Mooka and Layla Fauid. The quartet cover a range of positions in the forwards and backs, highlighting the diversity of talent the academy program has developed. “It’s really diverse the range, knowledge and the talent,” All Stars and Cowboys elite pathways coach Ben Jeffries said. “(The academy) is about developing their minds and skillsets and getting them to understand how to go through certain stages to the elite level. “It’s all about playing consistent football and persevering. Most of all you have to enjoy it, if you’re enjoying your football you do better … and the rewards will come.”
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AuthorOne of my main responsibilities was to cover the Blackhawks and Gold Stars and build strong relationships at the club. Archives
May 2020
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