https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/pandemic-setback-will-only-fuel-the-fire-for-the-north-queensland-gold-stars/news-story/1503844a1d1344ff80a959af5dfdfaf0 THE coronavirus pandemic may have halted women’s rugby league, but it will not break down the progress made. And North Queensland Gold Stars coaching director Ben Jeffries believes the setback will prove to be a catalyst for an even greater chapter in the game’s history. Jeffries has seen the monumental strides the code has taken, culminating in the inaugural QRLW competition’s establishment. His dual role as the Cowboys elite pathways co-ordinator has made him an integral cog in the club’s women’s academy where a wealth of talented players have flooded the system. Coming off the highs of a first win in the QRLW’s history — a 24 to 10 triumph of Brothers Ipswich — to the lows of the season’s cancellation was a gut-wrenching blow. But Jeffries said there had been no indication the academy or team would be in jeopardy ahead of next season, and the heartache would only inspire the playing group even more. He said the progress they had made in just a couple of months had been profound and the athletes would be unwilling to let that investment go down the drain. “What they got exposed to — the level of training and professionalism and what they’ve been given and had delivered to them — it’s only going to fuel the fire,” he said.
“What I can see going forward is it’s going to motivate them even more, they’ll be more hungry to get inside that playing arena. I can see it being a very healthy 2021.” The Gold Stars squad had been made up of players from Townsville, Cairns and Mackay and had only been able to train together infrequently. Yet they had quickly developed a rapport with each other and seemed set for a telling premiership run. But hope is still alive for regional competitions to take place. Because of this, Jeffries said the likes of North Queensland captain Jenni-Sue Hoepper had continued to bear the mantle of captain even in these uncertain times. While the NRLW and women’s State of Origin concepts launched before the QRLW, he said the importance of the grassroots levels made the continued development of the state tournaments a must once the pandemic passes. And each Gold Star would have a crucial role to play to keep the game prospering. “She (Hoepper) likes to lead with her actions more than words but she’s picked up that role of being a leader and has learnt she has to speak,” Jeffries said. “But I think they’re all going to lead in this pandemic, they’re all leaders in their own right and have the responsibility to keep themselves on track and their peers motivated. “The grassroots is very important so hopefully they get to see some community rugby league this year, as long as it’s safe for everyone involved. “Hopefully that gives them the outlet they probably want, and they need.”
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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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