Round one of the 2022 Country Championships kicks off this Sunday with both the Monaro Colts open men’s and women’s sides travelling to Pioneer Oval, Parkes, to take on the Western Rams.
The Monaro Colts men’s side will be looking to win back-to-back premierships after knocking off the Illawarra South Coast Dragons 18-16 in last year’s grand final.
The women’s squad will be looking to build off the back of last year’s season with Canberra Raiders junior rep coach David Small appointed as head coach.
Women’s Monaro forward Irene MacArthur spoke about the team’s preparations towards this weekend’s clash against the Western Rams and the overall excitement to be playing.
“We’re looking really positive. I think from the very start David [Small] has really been honing us that it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. In the short amount of time we’ve had together it’s been amazing to see a lot of the younger girls step up which has been really encouraging,” MacArthur said.
“Considering the circumstances a lot of teams have had, we’re just really excited to be playing.”
MacArthur also voiced her thoughts on the potential opportunity of having an NRLW team here in Canberra in the near future.
“Everyone is really excited to get involved and put on a real showcase [this weekend]. A lot of our girls just want to be seen which is really important, especially the aspirations of NRLW,” MacArthur said.
“It’s encouraging. If anything, it’s something to aspire to. This is a good stepping stone for Canberra rugby league if they implement the NRLW side. There is a wealth of talent, so we just need to be given the opportunity.”
The men’s match kicks off at 1:00 pm and the women’s match kicks off at 2:40 pm on Sunday afternoon.
See below for the team lists for both the open men’s and women’s Monaro Colts sides for this weekends clash.
Open Men’s
1. Tristian Eldridge
2. Cleve McGhie
3. Willie Peace
4. Tavita Aroha-Tuinauvai
5. George Kepa-Morseu
6. Tre Holten-Williams
7. Blake Robinson
8. Zac Saddler
9. Josh Mitchell (C)
10. Aiden Woods
11. Josh Baker
12. Ron Leapai
13. Darby Medlyn
14. Jordan Williams
15. Jesse Dent
16. Noa Vanisi
17. Sonny Tupuola
18. Liam Oakley
Coach: Terry Campese
Ass Coach: Ronnie Hoare
Open Women’s
1. Klaudia Osztrenkovics
2. Kim Grant
3. Maddison Tooth (C)
4. Milika Tuinakauvadra
5. Kiara Kennedy
6. Hollie Massey
7. Krystal Blackwell
8. Irene MacArthur (C)
9. Olivia Howe
10. Kaitlyn Andrews
11. Jaqueline Pele
12. Elly Hazelton
13. Ahlivia Ingram
14. Jess Howard
15. Livinia Samoa
16. Zoe Podmore
17. Caitlyn Fazey-Robinson
18. Sydney Harrison
Coach: David Small
Image: Irene MacArthur was apart of the Canberra Raiders Women's Nines squad, where she scored the first try vs Cronulla Sharks back in 2017.
