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BMD Premiership Season Wrap Up

The Norths Devils recently concluded their inaugural season in the BMD Premiership, finishing in fifth place with a record of 2 wins, 1 draw & 4 losses.

Zac Wallwork was named head coach in 2022, alongside assistant coaches Meg Ward, Karl Harding, and Rick Gailer. The squad assembled in November 2022 to commence pre-season training, diligently preparing for their inaugural participation in the QRL statewide competition.

In early 2023, Devils played three trial matches against formidable opponents: the Wynnum Manly Seagulls, the Brisbane Tigers, and the Souths Magpies. Head coach Zac Wallwork was pleased with the progress the team made during these matches, saying, “It has been a fantastic opportunity to watch the development of combinations over the past few months.”

Jada Ferguson was announced as the inaugural captain to lead the Devils one year after she played for the Queensland Under 19 team.

On the eve of the round 1 BMD Premiership fixture, former Norths female BRL players presented playing jerseys to the inaugural 17 players to take the field. This symbolic gesture served to connect the past and present of Norths Devils women’s rugby league team.

A short ceremony took place at the commencement of the round 1 fixture to mark the Devils’ entry into the BMD Premiership. Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells presented the match ball to Jada Ferguson of the Norths Devils and Zahara Temara, captain of the Burleigh Bears.

Ali Brigginshaw scored the first try for the Norths Devils in a women’s statewide competition when she pressed down a kick from Hayley Maddick in the Devils’ round 1 match against the Bears.

Devils faced tough matches at the start of the season, losing to the Bears and drawing with the Tigers. The team showed improvement each week, but were unable to overcome the experienced Cutters and Wynnum Manly Seagulls in rounds 3 and 4.

Devils celebrated their historic first win in round 5 against the Capras at Bishop Park. The Devils scored six tries to secure victory over the Capras.

The Devils then traveled north to face a Cutters team that was described as a “powerhouse” by local media. The Cutters took an early lead and the Devils were unable to run them down.

The final match of the season saw the Devils return to Bishop Park to face the Tweed Seagulls. The Devils finished on a high with a 30-10 victory to wrap up their inaugural season in the statewide women’s competition.

The Devils finished the season knowing that they were capable of making the finals despite the challenge of starting their team from scratch against seasoned rivals.

“We can look back and pinpoint moments here and there, but there is a lot for our players to be proud of from this season,” coach Zac Wallwork said.

“We started from nothing in trying to get a squad together and we showed that we were more than competitive. A foundation has been laid.

“We enjoyed finishing the season at home in front of family, friends, and our supporters. It was a good way to end.”

Match Reports

Saturday 11th March, Bishop Park

Devils 14 v Burleigh 28

Australian representative, Ali Brigginshaw brought up the first try for the Devils in a women’s statewide competition when she pressed down a kick from Hayley Maddick that bobbled and bounced away from the visitors’ defence in the 11th minute.

The Devils scored again 13 minutes later when captain Jade Ferguson timed a perfect pass for Georgina Tuitaalili to cross.

The lively start excited the home crowd as the Devils traded blows with the 2021 champions on an historic afternoon for the club in its 90th anniversary season.

But Burleigh kicked into gear with three unanswered tries before the left-foot step of Jillaroos back Shenae Ciesiolka split the Bears for the final try of the match.

Tries - Ali Brigginshaw 10', Georgina Tuitaalili 23', and Shenae Ciesiolka 67'

The Devils inaugural team -  Shenae Ciesiolka, Katherine Stevens, Lauren Dam, Caity Costello, Taylor-Adeline Mapusua, Hayley Maddick, Jada Ferguson (team captain), Tyla Mitchell, Therese Aiton, Breanna Eales, Natassja Purontakanen, Georgina Tuitaalili, Ali Brigginshaw, Annette Brander, Grace Griffin, Fiona Jahnke, and Lauretta Leao-Seve.

Sunday 19th March, Langlands Park

Tigers 16 v Devils 16

The match between the Norths Devils and Brisbane Tigers ended in a 16-all draw, but the game itself was far from ordinary. The event was filled with unexpected twists and delays, making it a memorable experience for both teams and spectators.

The initial kickoff was scheduled to take place at Langlands Park on a Saturday. However, just as the teams were ready to start, the stadium lights suddenly failed, causing a delay. With no immediate solution available, the Queensland Rugby League made the decision to postpone the match until the following day.

The next day, the teams reconvened to resume the game. However, despite the additional time provided, the lighting issue had not been resolved, and the match had to be played with natural light. As the game progressed, the daylight gradually faded, creating a unique atmosphere on the field.

In the midst of this unusual circumstance, the Norths Devils showcased their resilience and determination. Trailing by ten points with a scoreline of 16-6, the Devils staged a remarkable comeback. In a span of just three minutes, Annette Brander and Katherine Stevens scored two quick tries, leveling the score at 16-all. Their swift offensive moves caught the Tigers off guard and injected new energy into the game.

As the final minutes ticked away and darkness enveloped the field, both teams continued to battle intensely. However, neither side managed to break the deadlock, resulting in a draw when the referee blew the full-time whistle.

Although the final scoreline may not accurately reflect the drama and excitement that unfolded during the match, the Norths Devils' spirited comeback and the challenging circumstances in which the game took place made it a memorable event for all involved.

Tries -  Jada Ferguson 13’, Annette Brander
Norths Debut Players - Belinda Gwasamun, Nakita Tafilia-Sao, Hollie Twidale

Saturday 25th March

WM Seagulls 30 Devils 16

The Devils scored 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.

Tries -  Taylor Mapusua 9’, Therese Aiton 19”, Taylor Mapusua 47’, Shenae Ciesiolka 58”

Norths Debut Players - Bertshiba  Awoi

Saturday 1st April, Logan Metro Football Fields

Mapgies 22 v Devils 12

Norths took on the undefeated South Logan team at Logan. It was a real test for the Devils going down 5 tries to 2.  Taylor Mapusua put the Devils on the scoreboard in the 55th minute  off an Ali Brigginshaw kick, which was collected by Shenae Ciesioka who offloaded to Mapusua to cross the line.

The same combination created Norths second try by Grace Giampino, once again off a Brigginshaw kick, collection by Ciesiolka who swiftly passed to Mapusua setting Giampino up for the try.

Tries - Taylor Mapusua 55’, Grace Giampino 79”

 

Devils Debut Players - Hannah Larsson, Grace Giampino

 

Saturday 15th April, Bishop Park

Devils 32 Capras 16

The Devils celebrated their historic first win last weekend on home turf, scrambling for the words to the team victory song after a comprehensive 32-16 triumph over the CQ Capras at Bishop Park.

Captain Jada Ferguson shone in her switch to the No.9 jersey in the absence of Therese Aiton, scoring one of the Devils’ six tries in a much-deserved win.

Ali Brigginshaw featured in the halves while her Jillaroos teammate Shenae Ciesiolka again scored a try while her winger Taylor-Adeline Mapusua grabbed a double.

Devils Debut Players - Martha Molowia

Tries - Taylor Mapusua 6', Belinda Gwasamun 9', Hayley Maddick 21', Shenae Ciesiolka 26', Taylor Mapusua 32', Jada Ferguson 50'

 

Saturday 22nd April, BB Print Stadium

It was a tough clash for the Devils, as they headed to North Queensland to face a Cutters team described as a “powerhouse” by it’s local media. The Cutters dominated the first have taking a 22-0 halt time lead crossing the line 5 times.

Devils showed their class in the second half outplaying to the Cutters.  Martha Molowia crossed for a try in the 52nd minute that showcased the Devils’ spark.

Ferguson’s dummy-half pass went to half Grace Griffin who found Jillaroo Shenae Ciesiolka in a sweeping run for a pinpoint cut-out pass to Molowia. The Cutters won 28-6

Tries - Martha Molowia 52'

 

Saturday 29th April, Bishop Park

Devils 30 Tweed 10

Devils finished their first season on a high. Three minutes into the game, when a slick movement led to the first of six tries in a strong win over the Tweed seagulls. Devils headed in a 30-10 victory that wrapped up their inaugural season in the statewide women’s competition.

Norths finished in fifth position out of eight teams – one place out of the finals – with two wins and a draw from seven matches.

The Devils finished the season knowing they were capable of cracking the finals despite the challenge of starting their team from scratch against seasoned rivals.

“We can look back and pinpoint moments here and there but there is a lot for our players to be proud of from this season,” coach Zac Wallwork said.

“We started from nothing in trying to get a squad together and we showed that we were more than competitive. A foundation has been laid.

“We enjoyed finishing the season at home in front of family, friends and our supporters. It was a good way to end.”

Tries - Hayley Maddick 4', Caity Costello 13', Shenae Ciesiolka 31', Shenae Ciesiolka 34', Jada Ferguson 46', Hayley Maddick 59'


BMD Premiership Awards
Devils celebrated the 2023 season in style at the North Leagues Club on Friday 12th of May.  The celebratory gathering of players, coaches, sponsors, staff and stakeholders came together to recognise and acknowledge the achievements, growth and contribution made throughout the season.

Awards
Altus Traffic All Star Try of the year – Kaieisha Afoa, Hayley Maddick, Shenae Ciesiolka, Taylor Mapusua
Rookie of the year – Breanna Eales
VPA Australia Players’ Player – Shenae Ciesiolka
Harvey Norman Bathroom Outlet Centre Player  of the year – Shenae Ciesiolka

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