https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/local-sport/historic-hoepper-adds-another-chapter-to-her-rugby-league-journey/news-story/d9830754db91da58d5deb5d6e855416e JENNI-SUE Hoepper’s name will forever be etched throughout rugby league history. The first winner of the women’s Dally M Medal has added another chapter to her journey as the inaugural captain of the North Queensland Gold Stars. But, with sights set on the QRLW title, her historic exploits are not done with yet. Hoepper will lead an exciting crop of young talent in the side’s only trial match against the Central Coast Capras in Rockhampton. The likes of fullback Romy Teitzel and forward Riutoto Te Hiko have shown the Indigenous All Stars No. 7 that the team’s prospects are not only strong in 2020 but the seasons to come. And Hoepper intends to set the tone for that future with her actions on and off the field in their maiden premiership charge.
“I believe in the team we have that we can do the job. We’ve got eight weeks to try and do that … if we go out and execute everything we’re doing I think we can (win the title),” she said. “I played my junior footy here, and with work I’ve done a lot around this area. To be able to see this opportunity pop up and be named captain I’m very honoured.” It was an easy decision for Gold Stars coach Gavin Lloyd to name Hoepper as the club’s first skipper. When asked what he saw as the squad’s main strength, it was her presence he drew upon. Lloyd said it was a combination of the State of Origin star’s experience, ability and the respect she had gained from the rest of the group that made her selection so simple. At times when training became a little erratic, it was Hoepper who would steady the ship and the team had bought into what she was endorsing. A squad of 22 will make the trip to Rockhampton for the trial clash this weekend — the Gold Stars’ only chance to click on the field ahead of round one against Brothers on March 14. But such was the calibre of athletes available, what was not an easy decision was Lloyd’s selection of the team. “There’s a lot of young girls there and you know in a few years’ time they’ll be pushing for opportunities in the NRLW,” Lloyd said. “I had to keep in mind the future, so it was hard but I spoke to all the girls individually and they understand if they keep working hard there’s still an opportunity to get into the team.”
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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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