Sydney Roosters partners Mabel Park State High School claimed the inaugural National Schoolgirls Cup on Wednesday after defeating The Hills Sports High School 26-8 at Allianz Stadium.
The title tops off a stellar year for the Open Girls Team, who defeated Kirwan State High School 38-0 to take out the Queensland Schoolgirls Cup earlier in 2023.
Second-rower Athena Vili was named the Player of the Match for her stand-out performance up front, which included an intercept try and a number of bone-rattling tackles.
“We did have a few video sessions on Hills Sports and our coach told us that he knew we could beat them physically, so we just played our own game, played simple footy and did what our team does best,” Vili said after the victory.
“It took us a while to find their weaknesses but once we found them, we worked hard as a team to expose them and come away with the win,” she added.
Head of Programme – Girls Rugby Excellence, Chase Carey, has been the team’s Coach for the past five years, working diligently with the squad to refine their skills and grow their opportunities both on and off the field.
“I think the really special thing for me is that I’ve been with these girls since they were in grades 7 and 8,” he said.
“We’ve had plenty of highs and lows, but I think the performance they put out there was not something that’s happened overnight, we’ve been building each week and they’ve worked hard to get to where they are.”
Family and friends of the Mabel Park SHS team made the journey down from Queensland to show their support, giving the squad a welcomed boost from the grandstands.
“Family means a lot to us girls,” Vili said.
“Without them we would not be here, and this would not be happening.”
Recognising just how important the support of loved ones has been for the team, Mr Carey established three key pillars, family, pride and legacy which are embroidered on the back of the Mabel Park jersey.
“It’s actually something we talk about frequently, having your family to support you but also supporting each other as a team,” he said.
“When these girls started there wasn’t those pathways for them to play sport, so having pride in that jersey and in themselves.
“But legacy is a key one, it’s all about leaving the school in a better place and being good people on and off the field.”
The success follows the Roosters' recent four-year partnership extension with the Logan City-based school, working collectively to strengthen the NRLW pathway and provide development opportunities for female players.
