Ali Brigginshaw is among key players returning for Norths tomorrow as the Devils seek their maiden BMD Premiership victory in a clash with Souths Logan Magpies.
Brigginshaw featured in the Devils’ historic season-opener earlier this month, collecting an ankle injury that moved the World Cup final player of the match to the sidelines.
At Logan Metro Complex tomorrow, she joins Broncos NRLW teammate Hannah Larsson and Devils Under 19s captain Grace Giampino in a squad to take on the undefeated Magpies.
Larsson and Giampino will make their Devils first grade debuts in a team that continues to progress despite collecting one draw from the opening three rounds.
The Devils jumped Wynnum Manly on the road last week, scoring the first two tries before the Seagulls began a comeback in a 30-16 win for the home team.
The Devils were excellent in patches – they looked in control as Taylor Mapusua crossed in the 10th minute and Therese Aiton dived over from dummy half 10 minutes later.
Norths coach Zac Wallwork tweaked his team lineup last week as Hayley Maddick moved to fullback and Jillaroo Shenae Ciesiolka into right centre. Ciesiolka scored in the 59th minute as the Devils pulled within one try of the Seagulls in the match at Iona College.
“We’re really improving every week and that continued against Wynnum,” Wallwork said.
“We made some errors and Wynnum took full toll of those which we can expect from teams who have been together for several years.
“We’re in our first year but that’s never been an excuse for us. We see this whole season as an opportunity to start something and to develop a really solid foundation.”
Brigginshaw, Larsson and Giampino will add to a Devils team that claimed its first point in a statewide women’s competition in a 16-all draw that finished in the dark at Langlands Park.
Larsson has played in the Queensland Under 19 team in the past two seasons, continuing her development with selection in this year’s State of Origin squad.
She has missed the opening rounds with injury and now prepares for the Devils’ run through the second half of the season.
Giampino played representative football last season and earns her first grade debut after her impressive run for the Devils Under 19s.
“We’re looking forward to this game against a very good Souths Logan team,” Wallwork said.
“They’re undefeated and we know that they will be a real test for us.
“But we’re ready for it and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”