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

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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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