Local Trio to Represent First NSW Universities Women's Team

By Stuart McLennan 

Three players from the Katrina Fanning Shield (KFS) competition will take the field in the sky blue jumper for the inaugural NSW Universities team against QLD Universities at North Sydney Oval on May 18.

The team attracted expressions of interest from over 80 players at tertiary institutions across New South Wales and the ACT. Gabrielle Davis (Yass Magpies), Mya McGlynn (Belconnen United Sharks) and Lola Fletcher (West Belconnen Warriors) were successful in gaining selection for what will be an historic occasion for Australian Universities Rugby League.

All three players are students at the University of Canberra. Davis and Fletcher represented Monaro Colts in the Women’s Country Championships this year while McGlynn played in the Canberra Raiders Tarsha Gale Cup side last season.

Fletcher, who plays at dummy half and is captain of her West Belconnen club side, is studying a Bachelor of Business/Media and Communications at UC. She described her inclusion as “a really good opportunity” after attending training in Sydney.

“I feel like being from Canberra, we are sort of isolated a little bit from opportunities, especially with not having a Harvey Norman NSW Championship team but it's really good to represent New South Wales. It's something different and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

“The Katrina Fanning Shield has become a lot stronger over the years. I’m excited to represent the University of Canberra. Hopefully we can all represent it well and more girls in the future can do the same.”

An Australian Universities team will be selected following the interstate clash.

NSW Universities play QLD Universities at 11am on Sunday 18 May at North Sydney Oval.

Angelina Ballas (Australian Catholic University), Ellie Barnett (Australian Catholic University), Aaliyah Boland (University of Western Sydney), Georgia Clements (Australian Catholic University), Sophie Curtain (University of Wollongong), Gabrielle Davis (University of Canberra), Afi Fauese (Australian College of Physical Education), Ella Fielding (Australian Catholic University), Lola Fletcher (University of Canberra), Bianca Jones (University of Wollongong), Lexis Kaleti (University of Wollongong), Paige Knapp (University of Western Sydney), Josie Lenaz (University of Sydney), Makayla McFadyen (University of Wollongong), Monique McGlynn (Australian Catholic University), Mya McGlynn (University of Canberra), Kirby Maslin (University of Newcastle), Terri-lee Van Wyk (University of Newcastle) Matilda Vella (Australian Catholic University), Ebony Woodcock (University of Newcastle).