Welcome to the GooseStep!
This is a special edition where we get to meet the young ladies who represented WA at the recent U18 Schoolgirls ASSRL Championships in Coffs Harbour. While a core part of the team came from WA, there were many girls who were brought in to make up the side, so that our WA could take the chance to show their wares on the big stage. Lets meet the team, starting with the girls in #1-#10.
#1 – Mia Pashley – QLD – Kirwan High School – “Fort Knox”
Mia came into the squad as a diminutive fullback who had an air of quiet confidence. Earning her nickname, she was the epitome of safe. Never dropping a high ball, or missing any important defensive assignments, Pashley was a brilliant last line of defence, and provided a perfect link player to her halves at any place on the field. Fun off the field, she was never far from the next player on our list, as they bounced off each other to provide energy to the group.
#2 – Ava Wagner – QLD – Kirwan High School – “Deadpool (Mercenary With A Mouth)”
Although she struggled with some injuries during the tournament, Wagner showed that she could be an important member of the side on and off the field. A vocal team mate, she could talk underwater if needed as her personality shone through on tour as a great team mate. Comfortable anywhere in the backs, with genuine ball playing skills, she was a tough customer and managed to get herself on the field after succumbing to some nasty bumps in the initial games.
#3 – Tiari Thompson – WA – Baldivis Secondary College – “The Train”
We have met Tiari in the previous article, but to expand on that, she was and is an imposing figure on the field. Powerful, with great speed and the ability to break tackles for fun, she was a beacon for WA in games as she showed her physicality. While quiet and humble off the field, she showed a cheeky side, with a knack for one liners that would have the staff in stiches. A great vice-captain who led by example, Thompson was a brilliant example of the talent WA can produce.
#4 – Makayla Vakauta – NSW – Endeavour Sports High School – “Mrs Makes It Look Easy”
Makayla didn’t just make it looks easy on the field, she also made life look effortless off the field as well. A smart and kind young lady, her ability to tackle basically any challenge in her way shone through, whether it was ice skating to playing cards. A natural competitor, her ability recognise an opportunity and to change a game in the blink of an eye is something only select players have. And Maka made it look easy, no matter the stakes.
#5 – Sydney Kaukau – NSW (ex-WA) – Cronulla High School – “DJ Hype”
Our resident DJ with speaker in hand, and phone control on the bus, Sydney was everyone’s favourite hype person on tour. Connecting with every player in the squad, she was a natural lubricant for all the players and made the whole team feel welcome and settled. With an easy-going personality and ready smile, she made her presence felt on the field with some crucial defensive reads and kick defusals, which ended up allowing the side to only lose the opening fixture. A staunch team first player.
#6 – Ava Mitchell – NSW – Tenterfield High School – “Mrs Never Give Up”
One of the real surprises of the tournament for WA, the young pocket rocket from the border made a habit of never giving up. Whether it was with the ball or in defence, she was a terrier and showed real tenacity in the face of much bigger opponents. A slick ball player, who showed beautiful touch throughout the week, off the field she was a real character. Showing a quick mind, and solid wit, she could break down a play, or just as easily knock a staff member down a peg. A brilliant half or hooker who you could build a team around.
#7 – Te Whai Huriwai-Brown – WA – Australind State High School – “Captain Courageous Black Eye”
Te Whai came into the week unaware that she would be made captain, but the coaches saw a player, who the team could rally around, and who would be able to lead a bunch of people who had never played together before. Courageous, with no fear and possessing the fortitude to stand her ground when required, she defended with purpose all weekend, and was a menace with the ball in hand. Always finding an offload, the end of her nickname stems from a black eye she copped in the first game of the tournament that just stayed.
#8 – Saskia Croyston – QLD – Palm Beach State High – “The Hammer”
Saskia is one half of the dynamic Croyston twins and is a self confessed out and out front rower. Loving the hard stuff in the middle of the field, she needs to be where the action is and can punch our big minutes in and around the ball leading to some ridiculous stat lines as this team found out. A player with a lovely hit and spin, offload and sidestep, her tip ons along with her telepathic sense of game with her sister made her a brilliant player. Mature and self aware, off the field, she was a role model, who wanted to be the best player she possibly could be at all times.
#9 – Kaylani Tavita – QLD (ex-WA) – Mabel Park State High School – “The Professional”
Kaylani on the field could do it all. As an individual she could take over a game on either side of the ball. A dominant defender, who amazed the staff with her tackle selection, she was also a super dangerous attacking player. But true to form, she always wanted to make everyone around her better, and refused to be selfish. Even though capable of long range trys, which she showed in the final game, she just wanted to help the team in true leader fashion. A leader off the field, she was always punctual, and managed to gain the respect of players and staff alike through her quite confidence and likeable personality.
#10 – Manawanui James – NSW (ex-WA) – Cronulla High School – “The Juggernaut”
Powerful, physical and fast, Manawanui is a dangerous prospect on the rugby league field. A rugged front rower who loves the contact, she showed on numerous occasions that she is not someone you want to run at. And her running game was on show as she made numerous linebreaks and to put in her own words “I wish I could step” as she constantly ran over fullbacks in plays. Still prone to errors and bursts or pique, much like the X-Men character, Manawanui is a fun player off the field, who would live in the pool or beach if given the chance.
Well thats the first 10 young ladies who represented WA in the ASSRL Championships last week.
Stayed tuned for tomorrows installment as we introduce the final 10 players.