Tasha Davie has followed the path from New Zealand to Norths Devils blazed by some of the greatest names in rugby league.
Davie has been named the Devils’ BMD Premiership coach for 2025, adding to her duties as coach for the Devils’ women’s Under 19 season which ends before the open women’s competition starts.
There is a major difference in Davie’s decision to come to Bishop Park – she has done that after establishing herself as one of the greats of Kiwi rugby league.
Sir Graham Lowe and Mark Graham also made the move from Auckland to Nundah but they arrived at the start of careers that would propel them into New Zealand’s prestigious Legends of League ranks.
Davie is also a Kiwi Legend of League, receiving the honour two months ago in an intake including NRL stars Matthew Ridge, Simon Mannering and Nathan Cayless.
The Devils are blessed to have the experience, insights and calm demeanour of Davie to guide a BMD Premiership squad that reached the grand final in 2024 in Norths’ second season in the competition.
Davie turned a background as an elite gymnast and a general love of sport into a 19-year playing career at representative level, highlighted by two World Cup triumphs.
Davie last played in 2019 with Richmond Rovers, when her two children were in high school, before starting her coaching career.
“I’m really looking forward to coaching at a club with the history of Norths but at a time when we’re also still developing the women’s game,” Davie said.
“It’s a move away from New Zealand but it’s a chance to take a new opportunity.
“The season will be different to last year so I’m in the same boat as some of the players in starting afresh.”
The BMD Premiership will this year run concurrently with the NRLW competition, meaning all Queensland teams will be without the topline players who featured in the opening years of the league.
That leaves with the Devils without a string of the players who surged into last year’s grand final.
“That’s a change that all teams are dealing with this year and we’re very fortunate to have a coach with Tasha’s experience and enthusiasm to help guide our women’s program,” Devils CEO Troy Rovelli said.
“Her history in the game is remarkable and we’re looking forward to Tasha working with our players.”
Davie was raised on a farm in the Waikato before she moved to Auckland for university study after leaving school.
She began playing social touch football before she was asked to play a league match for a team short of players.
That was the spark for one of the longest careers in international league history.
Davie has the same passion for coaching.
“I started with the youth girls’ grades in Auckland and really enjoyed that,” she said.
“I’m really focused on development and helping players to improve.
“I prefer to play a flowing game with ball-playing middles who can create opportunities to attack.
“I’m really looking forward to the year ahead.”
The Norths Devils would like to extend their gratitude to Ironforge Security, the Major Sponsor of the BMD Premiership team. Their continued support is instrumental in ensuring the growth and success of the women’s program, enabling opportunities to attract experienced leaders like Tasha Davie.
