Hawaiki Roa again made the final, only to fall short, this time against their big time rivals, the Aotearoa Queenz. In their 6th straight grand final, the perennial grand finalists, just couldn’t topple the Queenz, led by a stunning performance from Zion Taurima.
While smaller in nature with the women’s competition this year, there was still just shy of 80 players who could have made this side, with Roa and Queenz joined by a stunning RLSWA side, and the gutsy Aussie Giants who never gave up.
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 9 Women’s team of the tournament. It is the 6th 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 –
1. Zion Taurima – Aotearoa Queenz – New Zealand – 3rd Selection
Well we had another grand final. And Zion has swept all those before here in another dazzling display. Her speed, footwork and ability to change direction at full pace while shedding defenders earnt her yet another spot and join some illustrious company with 3 selections. A supreme talent in our game, surely she takes it to the next level in our game soon.
2. Claudia Foster – Hawaiki Roa – Maori – 2nd Selection
An absolute powerhouse all weekend. Her power and defensive prowess were obviously of huge benefit to Hawaiki Roa. But it was her game management, soft hands and amazing passing game that really showed throughout the weekend. Her ability to manage the entire middle of the field while the game was in motion was great to watch and she was a linchpin for the Maori side.
3. Ruby Hodgson – RLSWA – Samoa – 2nd Selection
Energetic, fit and competitive, Ruby is an easy selection for this team. Starring at fullback for the RLSWA team, she stopped more tries individually than most teams combined over the course of the weekend. An amazing last line of defence, it begs the question, is she more suited at fullback or hooker in the 13 a side game? A great runner of the ball and an adept passing game, Hodgson deserves her spot.
4. Mariah Bell – Hawaiki Roa – Maori
Strong and fast, Mariah is a menace on both sides of the ball. A noted hit-woman who covers the ground quickly, her bone rattling defence has made more than one player find someone else to run at. She is also a noted try scorer, with her hard searching runs making her a tough matchup for any wide defender. Possessing a big fend, Mariah was one of the leading attackers at this years tournament.
5. Mahinarangi Clair – Aotearoa Queenz – New Zealand
Consistent and honest. Two words used to describe Mahinarangi and they are apt. One of her best attributes is that her best and worst games are very close together. A great performer, at any given time for any team, her effort and ability are always on show. Comfortable in any position on the field, her strength as a ball runner, and vision as a ball player are getting better with age.
6. Brianna Young – RLSWA – Samoa
One of the most explosive players here in WA, it is Brianna’s dynamism that sets her apart from the field. Whether its rushing out of the line in defence to stop an attacking raid, or taking the ball from the dummy half at speed, Brianna is all power and force. Fast with good footwork, she loves hitting the ball against the grain and running brave lines. Tougher than her size, she is carving a name all on her own. She narrowly beat out try scoring ace Tara McNally for this spot.
7. Elle Warren – Aussie Giants – Aussies
A never say die attitude personified, while Ruby might have stopped more tried, no one covered more metres while chasing breakways than Elle over the weekend. Her strength of character shone through again and again as she never stopped working for the Aussie Giants over the course of the weekend. Leading the Giants, she narrowly beat out team mate Gilmore-Spence for her spot on this team.
8. Keisha Marshall – Hawaiki Roa – Maori
Captain courageous over the weekend, if there was a tough run needed or a defensive stop required, Keisha was always happy to provide. A strong presence on the edge of the field, her football smarts showed through with her quick hands as she turned provider multiple times for the Maori’s. A rugged ball runner, she ran through her fair share of defenders over the weekend, while leading the nine tailed foxes all the way to the grand final. Beating out big weekends from Little and Rutene, she forces her way into the side.
9. Trilleen Pomare – Aotearoa Queenz – New Zealand – 3rd Selection
The final player selected, Pomare is all class and the logical final choice for this side. Beating out the impressive Ocean Tuhua for the final spot, Trilleen is all class and shows up in the big moments. Her devastating performance in the Grand Final, behind Taurima’s treble, showed that she is someone you want on the field, with the ball in her hands when the game is on the line. Strong, with silky footwork and ball skills, she sees the field better than almost anyone in the game.
Coach – Dale Stringer – Hawaiki Roa – Maori – 2nd Selection
Dale is no stranger to Harmony Cup, and the grand finals in the Women’s competition. A consistent and solid foundation for the Roa, he has coached the Maori side to 7 consecutive grand finals, which is a phenomenal statistic. While only successful one time, 4 times the Queenz have stood in their way, which is almost 5 times when you consider the strong Queenz presence in the Taranaki side last year. But Dale has been a rock for the Roa. Its actually an even more staggering statistic when you consider that brothers Dale and Delane have been in 15 of the 18 men’s and women’s grand finals at Harmony Cup!
Congratulations to all the above, but again this list could have had 50 players on it. Well done to all players over the weekend, and we hope to see you back in Harmony Cup 10.
| Women’s Harmony Cup 9 Team Of Tournament | ||
| Name | Team | |
| 1 | Zion Taurima | Aotearoa Queenz |
| 2 | Claudia Foster | Hawaiki Roa |
| 3 | Ruby Hodgson | RLSWA |
| 4 | Mariah Bell | Hawaiki Roa |
| 5 | Mahinarangi Clair | Aotearoa Queenz |
| 6 | Brianna Young | RLSWA |
| 7 | Elle Warren | Aussie Giants |
| 8 | Keisha Marshall | Hawaiki Roa |
| 9 | Trilleen Pomare | Aotearoa Queenz |
| C | Dale Stringer | Hawaiki Roa |