The Country Championships will change in 2019 with a tackle competition replacing the former leaguetag.

Coach Shailyn Williams is one of the most experienced rugby league players in the region, but at this stage will stick to an off-field role.

She’s excited for the new concept, believing it was a long time coming following the introduction of leaguetag over a decade ago.

“I’ve been involved with women’s rugby league for a while myself so it is good to see it come to our region,” Williams said.

“There is some raw talent around here and for years I’ve seen it growing.

“To have the opportunity for our girls is really, really positive.”

Williams hopes to still be involved on the field at some stage, but the veteran fears she may have left her run too late.

However she believes there is a good mix in the squad.

“It’s a large squad as you don’t want to take opportunities away and there is a few young ones in there that I’d like to expose to what is coming,” Williams said.

“The future is so bright for women’s rugby league and the 17 I do name will be a very strong squad. I’ve got all faith in them to deliver at the championships.”

Group 20 club Yenda are the most represented club with five while Group Nine premiers Brothers have three.

With no women’s tackle competition in the region, it is a fairly new concept for most players.

However with the game increasing in popularity plus an influx of women’s sevens players, Williams is confident the whole side can adapt the 13-a-side game.

“A lot of them have played nines but we are playing 13s and it is a different ball game,” she said. 

“I think for a lot of them it is new at this level but I think they can handle it.”

Shannon Pike (TLU), Sophie Gaynor (Temora), Kate Pevere (Brothers), Emma Hickey (Junee), Lauretta Leao-Seve (Yenda), Neda Amaitu (Yenda), Lele Katoa (Waratahs), Elise Smith (Junee), Luci Lugsdin (Hay), Ua Ravu (Yenda), Mele Lolotonga (Yenda), Amelia Lolotonga (Yenda), Tess Staines (Yanco-Wamoon), Lauren Dam (Wodonga), Natasha Clemson (Albury), Jess McDonell (Leeton), Teisha McGuiness (Wodonga), Madeline Warbuton (Albury), Gab Suckling (Brothers), Ivy Merlehan (Junee), April Townsend (Black and Whites), Bridget Horsley (Brothers), Monique Toppin (Tumut), Niumai Serukabaivata (Waratahs), Katrina Scarfone (Waratahs)

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