Taranki ended up turning it on in the final of another great Harmony Cup, defending their title against a luckless Hawaiki Roa who made 3 finals with no success.
From Bushrangers to Tonga, teams competed for their heritage and pride in their jersey and the community. It was a great display of rugby league ability and out of the 1400 players across the weekend, we have come up with 18 players. 9 men and 9 women to feature in the sides of the tournament.
And although there were many players who could be picked in both sides from all the women’s teams, the votes and opinions have been tallied and would like to present the NRL WA Harmony Cup 8 Women’s team of the tournament. It is the 5th edition of this selection and there are some amazing players on this list.
The Women’s side, is obviously only a few peoples opinions, and while there could be 50 names on this list, there had to be some people left out, but without further ado, see the below –
- Zion Taurima – Taranaki – New Zealand – 2nd Selection
Player of the grand final. First player picked in this side. And a lethal threat in every single game she played. Zion is an elite finisher in all forms of the game. Give her the ball in space, and she will just make something happen. With fantastic awareness, and great footwork and balance, she tops it off with top of the line speed, and if she gets the ball in clear space anywhere on the field, it is lights out for the opposition.
- Sera Ah-Sam – RLSWA – Samoa – 2nd Selection
One of the most dreaded match ups over the weekend, there is probably not a more physically confronting player in WA than Sera. A lovely personality off the field, her physical presence, in both attack and defence cause all kind of problems in a limited numbers format, and while forwards are sometimes undervalued in the 9 a side format, her ability to play huge minutes in all formats, along with her defensive work make her an easy choice. - Anneka Stephens – Taranaki – New Zealand – 3rd Selection
I don’t think anyone is surprised. Basically produced a virtuoso performance in the semi final against a tough Samoan team to get the Taranaki side to the Grand Final. A tough as nails defender, who can play in the forwards and the backs. As a try scorer or setting them up, she just seems to be in the right place at the right time. Super fit, her ability to stay in the game keeps her in the upper echelon of players. The Cook Island International continues to get it done at Harmony Cup. - Melissa Buchanan – Pikiao Warriors – Maori
With one of the sweetest passing games you will see, and a show and go that would make the greats jealous, “Missy” just continues to show her worth on the rugby league field. An amazing foil for the next player on the list, her ability to put people in space, and make the defensive line spread out causes issues all the time. Along with her defensive tenacity, she is a deserved player on this list and goes extra hard for the black and white. - Kailey Thompson – Pikiao Warriors – Maori – 3rd Selection
A natural leader, Thompson is still the best halfback in the competition by some margin. Possessing elite passing and kicking games, her game management is undisputed in our competitions. A capable and rugged defender, she leads teams with her voice, continuously urging the players around her to keep reaching for more. A dangerous late tackle runner, she can put the foot down and do it herself it the occasion calls for it. - Kateraina Horner – Hawaiki Roa – Maori – Captain
The epitome of effort and class, Horner is one of those players who never ever plays a bad game. Consistently in the top line of players on the field, she has all the tools to be an elite player of our game. Fast, physical and a workaholic, she is involved in almost every set, on both sides of the ball. A vocal and imposing leader, she continues to impress onlookers, and her valiant chase down of Taurima in the Grand Final, just shows her spirit never gives up. - Nari Little – Hawaiki Roa – Maori
An unsung hero for the Orange and White, Little is an exceptional limited numbers rugby league player. While not the strongest player in the game, her space awareness and ability to attract numbers and release a support player make her a dangerous prospect. With great speed, especially over a short distance, she punished teams regularly with her ability to get over the line, while she continuously throws a perfect last pass for other tryscorers. - Aleasha Brider – Taranaki – New Zealand
Another true forward in our team, Aleasha is a powerful player, who plays a powerful players game. Not shy on the contact at all, her strong carries were leaving defenders scattered all weekend, and her try in the grand final showed she has the footwork to match, as she left no fewer than four defenders grasping at mid air. A true warrior in the middle of the field, her contributions on the weekend were appreciated by many. - Ruby Hodgson – RLSWA – Samoa
Hodgson was the energizer battery for the Samoan team over the weekend. Appearing all over the field, it seemed like there were 4 of her out there, as she probed, poked and battered defensive lines. An underappreciated player because of her size, she is so much harder to tackle than she looks, with her awkward fend, hit and spin, and subtle speed all making her a tough players to shut down anywhere on the field.
Coach – Vilai Kelemete – RLSWA – Samoa
When the team lists came out and the communities were proudly showing their colours, some of the usual teams were definitely going to be good. Taranaki, Hawaiki Roa and Pikiao Warriors, with some of their headliners, were always going to be strong. But even though RLSWA had been there plenty of times before, they were almost considered a spent force. But that was anything but the truth as they pounded their way into calculations with a confrontational style. Pushing eventual champions Taranaki, and scaring Hawaiki Roa in their pool game, the Samoan’s, under the coaching of Kelemete, showed the world that they won’t ever be underestimated.
Congratulations to all the above, but again this list could have had 200 players on it. Well done to all players over the weekend, and we hope to see you back in Harmony Cup 9.
| Women’s Harmony Cup 8 Team Of Tournament | ||
| Name | Team | |
| 1 | Zion Taurima | Taranaki |
| 2 | Sera Ah-Sam | RLSWA |
| 3 | Anneka Stephens | Taranaki |
| 4 | Melissa Buchanan | Pikiao Warriors |
| 5 | Kailey Thompson | Pikiao Warriors |
| 6 | Kateraina Horner (C) | Hawaiki Roa |
| 7 | Nari Little | Hawaiki Roa |
| 8 | Aleasha Brider | Taranaki |
| 9 | Ruby Hodgson | RLSWA |
| C | Vilai Kelemete | RLSWA |