Each time a member wins or places in a game of bridge, event, or congress, they are awarded Masterpoints. When they reach each milestone in the Masterpoints system, they are awarded a specific ranking. Congratulations to three members who have been awarded an increase in their Masterpoints Rankings. Janelle Conroy – Gold Life Master, Carol Gaskell – Bronze Life Member and Clare Wallace – Local Master.

Monday 24 July 2023 – Unders & Overs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S                                                           E/W

1st Anne Lutz / Eric Goodchild 1st Edward Kliese / Peter Cowling

2nd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix 2nd Marilin Robins / Sandy Patterson

3rd Ian Gaskell / Margaret Jennings 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Block

Tuesday 25 July 2023 Evening - 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

Wednesday 26 July 2023 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S                                                           E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley 1st Joyce Deguara / Antonia Tarradas

2nd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan 2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

3rd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 3rd Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

Thursday Evening 27 July 2023 - 4 Table One Winner

1st Geoff Taylor / Annie Lynch

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Janine Rodgers / Kevin Sheedy

Friday 28 July 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S                                                           E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix 3rd Cheryl Machen / Clare Wallace

Saturday 29 July 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S                                                           E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan 1st Marilin Robins / Anne Lutz

2nd Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 3rd Diane Stokes / Annie Lynch

Sunday 30 July 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S                                                           E/W

1st Jewel Schmit / Terrence Sheedy 1st Faith Hutchinson / Anne Lutz

2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 2nd Dawn Field / Clare Wallace

3rd Joyce Deguara / Peter Cowling 3rd Thomas Block / Joy Block

Contributed by Joy Block

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Carol Gaskell Bronze Life Master and Janelle Conroy Gold Life Master

Clare Wallace Local Master. Photos supplied

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The Whitsunday Sportspark played host to the MRU Semi- finals on Saturday which saw Kuttabul take on Cities followed by Whitsunday Raiders taking on Moranbah bulls.

The clash between the Raiders and the Bulls was to determine who went straight through to the grand final on the 12th.

The Raiders had an unusual training week due to the rain but were quietly confident they could come away with the win.

The game was going to be an arm wrestle for both sides and only a minute into it the bulls came up with a penalty to put first points on the board.

The Raiders could not seem to get their hands on the ball for most of the game but when they did, they looked good throwing it around, the scrums were strong and both sides found it hard to push over the ball.

With the wind behind them Moranbah took a further lead with a converted a try after 15 minutes.

It wasn’t until around the 30 minute mark that the men in green scored their own converted try to make it 7-10.

The score was to remain that way until around the 60 minute mark when the Bulls converted another penalty to take it to 7-13, not long after Niall Clancy converted a Raiders penalty to make it 10 -13.

The Raiders had momentum close to the Bulls line, with 5 mins to go, when the game was halted due to a major injury.

The crowd were on the edge of their seats after the restart, when speedster Rhys Ward chased a grubber kick over the line, unfortunately it was judged to have gone out and the Raiders would have to take on the Kuttabul Camelboks at home next Saturday to move into the Grand Final, going down 10-16.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Connor Spence putting on a big defensive tackle. Supported by Waikato Nepia-Katipa, Peni Tuibre and Brayden Holloway. Photo credit: Hanny Spence Photography

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles travelled to Mackay Magpies on Saturday with Senior teams having a great day on field.

The sun was shining but it was definitely wet weather footy with the Magpies ground waterlogged from the week of rain.

Sea Eagles Senior Men handled the slippery conditions better, to take home the win 46 – 25 and secure 3rd position on the ladder above Magpies, behind a tight tussle at the top between Saints and Swans.

Sea Eagles backline was superb with Nathan Packer, Ryan Lee, and Eden Wishart having plenty of the ball.

Reliable targets up forward Angus Blackwood and Brayden Wall gave Sea Eagles scoring opportunities throughout the game.

Despite the sloppy conditions Sea Eagles Senor Women flew in the first term keeping the opposition scoreless.

The second quarter saw Magpies make a strong resurgence and Sea Eagles worked hard to hold their advantage.

Sea Eagles were able to endure the attacks and finish with a strong win 45 – 25.

Lana Rademeyer put in a solid effort for the day pegging two goals whilst Cleo Dickie showed strong form through the midfield.

Cara Behnke also presented in the forward line to chalk up two great goals.

Sea Eagles Under 14s took it to a strong Magpies team in the performance of the year with every player contributing, however could not overcome the bigger Magpies outfit losing 6 - 21.

Sea Eagles Under 12s found themselves back on a wet deck for the first time in a while taking on the Magpies for the second week in a row.

After a cracking win against them last week, Sea Eagles could not keep Magpies from scoring in the final term and went down 15 – 17 in a muddy thriller.

This Saturday August 5 sees all Sea Eagles teams head for Bakers Creek with games starting from 9:15am.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Senior Men Aaron Thompson

Senior Women Cleo Dickie

Senior Men Jake Turner. Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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The biggest professional triathlon field in the event’s history competed in the 2023 Coral Sea Marina Airlie Beach Triathlon festival last weekend with Kurt McDonald and Radka Kahlefeldt winning the men’s and women’s races.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael Kimpton said over 250 triathletes competed in the senior and juniors events over the two day festival which received rave reviews from the visiting professionals who all indicated they were keen to return in 2024 as the race weekend continues to grow.

The 24-year-old Victorian, McDonald led from start to finish to defeat a top-class male field in a time of 1 hour, 51 minutes, 36 seconds for the 1.5km swim, 40km ride and 10km run Olympic Distance event.

2XU champion Jarrod Osborne made up almost two minutes on the winner in the run leg to finish second in 1.52.56 while veteran professionals Tim Van Berkel and defending champion Caleb Noble tied for third place in 1.55.51.

Kahlefeldt blew away the female field with stunning swim and ride legs to open a big lead and cruised to victory in 2.02.58 ahead of Cairns Ironman 3rd place finisher Penny Slater in 2.06.38 and Chloe Hartnett 2.07.03.

In his first race as a professional triathlete rising Whitsundays star Dan McDonnell carded a top 5 finish showing he can make a quick impact in the top gun ranks.

Another rising start of the Whitsunday triathlon scene, Zane Devine, scored his maiden victory winning the male Sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) event in an impressive time of 1.15.30 ahead of Jordy Staelen and John Thomas.

Maraa Luz Poblete took line honours in the female Sprint event blitzing the field in the swim leg to lead from the gun in 1.11.37 ahead of Mala Brooks and Chloe White.

The Enticer event was won by Nick Beecroft (men’s) and Alicia McConaghy while the inaugural winner of the Stirling Edwards-Bland Perpetual Junior Encouragement Award was Tyrell McDowell for his determination and enthusiasm to get to the finish line at all costs.

Race director Kimpton said the weekend was capped off with a Champions Dinner at the Coral Sea Resort Ballroom on Sunday nigh twhere major sponsor and Coral Sea Marina Resort owner Paul Darrouzet confirmed they would renew their sponsorship of the event for 2024.

“These types of events do not happen without support from local business and this was the first year that Coral Sea Marina Resort became our naming sponsor,” said Kimpton.

“We had support from over 50 local businesses which has allowed the club provide amazing prizes for all events and we had amazing feedback on the quality of our race packs from all competitors.

“The aim of our small but dynamic Whitsunday Triathlon Club committee headed by Mark McConkey, Karen Maddock, Val Kimpton, Robyn Corrigan and Debra Childs is to continue to grow and expand the event to make it a highlight of the Queensland triathlon calendar.”

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Photo Credit: Rachael Smith, Bronte Hodge and Korupt Vision

We had our last club trophy contested on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with The Players Club Captain the prize on offer for the players.

Round 1 results were for Premier League points, with the victors advancing to the knock out stages.

There were wins for Kam Reason, Art McMinn, Jamie Maher defeated Dom Friend in a sudden death play-off leg.

Gary Robbie got a bye as the defending champion Jamie Woods couldn’t defend his title on the day unfortunately, and Joe Wilson defeated Andy Peel.

Dom Friend got a second bite of the cherry as the best loser from round 1, he played Gary Robbie in a playoff match to see which players would advance back into the competition.

Dom won that to face Jamie Maher yet again. It was another tight one, but this time Dom had a little too much for Jamie taking his place in the final winning 4-3.

Kam Reason defeated Art McMinn on the other side of the draw 4/3 to set up a match against Joe Wilson in the other semi final. Joe narrowly won that 4-3 to face Dom in this year’s Players final.

Joe played some great darts all day, as did Dom, but great scoring power along with clinical doubling saw Joe lift his first trophy at the club to put a new name on the trophy.

Congratulations Joe on a well-deserved win.

Thank you to our sponsors Mika Airlie Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach and Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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When you live in Paradise you certainly are not used to cold weather and rain, so no bowls was possible on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.

Friday afternoon saw a round of Men's A Division between Manny Isgro and the up and coming very talented Harry Quad and, to everyone's surprise, it was Harry Quad who won this exciting tussle 25-23

Saturday morning Scroungers saw some exciting games - first round winners were Gary Kiff , Ash Warland , Steve O 'Connell and our own John Askew.

The final was between Steve O'Connell and Ash Warland who needed 3 to win the last end and he did it again.

He has been winning everything lately and his form has been impeccable.

Sunday morning was the B Division 4's with the final being played in the afternoon and it was the team ably led by David Ling, with John Fielding, Col Morris and Dennis Donaldetti inspirational with their victory.

Sunday afternoon had some very competitive bowlers vying for the prize, we welcomed Leonie Donnelly from Ballarat Victoria, Ken McAllister back again from Queenscliff, Victoria and Daryl Stumbles from Paradise Point Bowls Club Queensland.

They all played very well but it was Ken whom, with skipper Tony Whitehorn, and lead Janet Jacometti were the runaway winners of the day.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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The B Division 4's Champions. Photo supplied

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Wet weather put rather a dampener on this past week with no Social Bowls on Wednesday.

This meant that we had a bumper turn out for Sunday's Social Bowls.  

We had visitors from Belmont NSW, Swan Hill Victoria, Eden in NSW, Airlie Beach and Sale in Victoria.

Bill Howell, Carol Crosbie, Bob Ross and Betty Nicolle defeated Arthur Griffith, Barry Zillmann, Caroll Smith and Nev Smith 33 - 19; Lee King, Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown defeated John Burnett, Philip Brown and Peter Warner 21 - 19;  Col, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton and Cheryl Howell 19 - 16.

Champion of Champion Ladies Singles that was to be played at St Helens was postponed until August 10 and 11.

Best wishes for good bowls to Isaac Elliott and Andrew Bell who will be playing Champion of Champion Pairs at Marian this coming weekend.

Champion of Champion Ladies Pairs is to be played at Proserpine this week.  

Thanks to all who have worked so hard in preparing the green for this event.  

It is unfortunate that last week brought rain and we are now hoping that the weather cooperates this week.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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There has been a lot happening this week in the world of bowls at Wangaratta.  

On Tuesday winners were Bron Tolcher, Bruce Thomson, Brian Cassick and John Middleton whi defeated Keith Collins, Ann Kayser, Jo Paynting and June Walsh. Runners Up were Roger Mumby, Brian Bellingham and Terrie Crozier who defeated Alan Pearson, Jan Dawson and Terry Nash. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Then on Thursday, Men’s President and Green Keeper Mark hosted his special afternoon sponsored by Queens Beach Tourist Village with a full green. Thanks also to Le Sorelle and Arabon Seafoods who gave a donation.

Winners for the afternoon were Gary, Denise, Wallace, Glen and Linda Smith who defeated Bruce, John, Lauire and Sugar Brunker. Runners Up were V Richie, K S/Collins, B Russo and P Donoghue who defeated T Roach, H Donoghue, L Danvers and J Paynting.  

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were J Dawson and P Donoghue who defeated J Breakwell and A Vigar. K S/Collins and M Nesbitt defeated B Jackson and M Hyde, M McKezie, M Mead and J Middleton defeated R Dunell, H Donoghue and O Watson, C Cassidy, L S/Collins and C Taylor defeated L Knight, J Velden and K Baxter, Tracy, Ken and Karon defeated Robyn, Chris and Jim. Resting touchers went to Ken M, Robyn, M Nesbitt, and J Dawson. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 8. They were C Cassidy, M Loughhead, N Barlee and V Palmer who defeated C Bellingham, M Middleton, K Aykens and K Moriarty. Runners Up K Baxter, L Knight, I Wheeler, R Hyde who defeated P Breakwell, L Palmer, G Harvey and A Rolfe. The jackpot went off in the game between A Kayser, D Harris, T Crozier and F Wilman who defeated M Nesbitt, H Donoghue, P Madden and Pat Tracey.

Although not winning, our ladies put on a stirling performance at the District Champion of Champions at Alligator Creek on the week. Fely Duncan and Robyn Stitt were runners up in the A pairs. The winners being Noorla players Carla Pizzi and Carmen Mugica.  Penny Warren was defeated narrowly by Carmen Mugica in the A Singles. Teresa Willshire played B Singles with 2 wins which will continue for a result in 2 weeks. Well done ladies representing the club.

We are playing for the Pat and Neil Tracey trophy this Sunday with self-selected triples which I am sure will be a great afternoon.                                                                     Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Winners of the Men's Presidents Day:  Gary, Denise, Glen, Linda with President Mak Drummond

Runners Up District Champion of Champion A Pairs: Robyn Stitt, Fely Duncan. Photos supplied

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Julie May 32 points, runner up Leanne Swan 32 points. Men’s winner Perry Layton 36 points, runner up Chris Jackson 35 points.

Saturday's competition was the Men’s August Monthly medal. Winner on a countback was Jeff Jackson 70 nett, runner up Michael Mawson 70 nett.

Sunday was the ladies August Monthly Medal. Winner was Karon McKenzie 73 nett, runner up on a countback Penny Stewart 75 nett. Both competitions were kindly sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Queens Beach Motor Hotel.

This weekend's competition will be played on Sunday and will be a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Takeaways still available. Please call the club if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker is worth $4000.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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August Men’s Monthly Medal winners. Photo supplied

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22 Whitsunday Golf Club members turned up to play a Single Stableford competition last Sunday, and while the course was still fairly wet, enthusiasm was as hot as ever.

Ladies A Grade:

Winner: Tiina Randmae with 32 points

Runner-up: Penny Wardroper with 23 points

Longest Drive: Tiina Randmae

Ladies B Grade:

Winner: Sally Little with 32 points on a countback from

Runner-up: Pam Casey

Longest Drive: Elise Hodgson

Men’s A Grade:

Winner: John Clark with 28 points on a countback from

Runner-up: Geoff Harrison

Longest Drive: Geoff Harrison

Men’s B Grade:

Winner: Wilf Herweg with a cracking 38 points - handicap gone!

Runner-up: Jalen Jarvis with 33 points

Longest Drive: David Hoy

NTPs:

Ladies A Grade : nobody on the 6th

Ladies B Grade: Karen Rix on the 16th

Ladies All In: Pam Casey and Penny Wardroper, both in the hole for 2 - nice birdies

Men’s A Grade: Jason Whitney on the 9th

Men’s B Grade: Don Cameron on the 16th

Men’s All In: nobody on the 13th

NAGAs: the honours went to Linda Wardroper and Wayne Temby.

Next week there is no WGC competition because of the PGC Opens but Sunday 13/8 will be the August MM and Least Putts.

Don’t forget to get your names in early so we can play in a block.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

L-R : Tiina Randmae (Ladies A winner), Wilf Herweg (Men’s B winner), Sally Little (Ladies B winner), Geoff Harrison (Men’s A winner). Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford saw Jimmy Millar come first place with 19 points, second was Terry Kimpton with 18 points and third place saw Michael Bond on a 17 point c/b.

Friday’s stableford was a great effort from all. Taking first place was Craig Kennedy with 21 points, second with a 20 point c/b was Ryan Kenny and third Glenn Rees with 20 points. Great job gentlemen.

Sunday’s monthly medal was a great turnout which saw Justyn Durbin take the win with a 46 NET, second was Danny York with a 49 NET c/b and third place Tyson Flavel with a 49 NET.

Nearest the pin were John Shannon and Ben Doer.

This Sunday, August 6 will be an 18-hole stableford. tee off anytime.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

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Justyn Durbin. Photo supplied

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The weather gods weren't kind for the running of the Whitsunday Game Fish Club's "Mackerel Muster" held last weekend.

15 to 20 knots south-easters greeted teams on both days, with Aileen Harris on "Lascar II", weighing the only Spanish Mackerel of 14.35kgs, after losing several others to sharks.  

Aileen took home $300 First Prize (one for the girls). Other teams had stories of lost mackerel and bi-catch of barracuda and queenfish.

On Sunday evening the Club held its AGM and saw Ashley Matthews elected as President, Justin Butler as Vice President, Steve Obst as Secretary, with Stacey Gerhart as Treasurer and Ashley Moore the Weighmaster.

Now its full steam ahead for the "Ben Doolin Builders Light Tackle Tournament" from 19 - 22 October, which has fast become one of the best tournaments on the coast, and one not to be missed.  

Now is the time to start organising your team for this fun event.

Contributed with thanks to Dianne Anderson.

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Aileen’s Winning Spanish Mackerel. Photo supplied

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Over the weekend, six Cannons travelled to Townsville to compete in the 2023 Gardens Short Course Transition Meet while some Cannons stayed home and participated in the Whitsunday Triathlon events.  

On Sunday morning, it was great to see club families, volunteers and Coach Kenny helping with the Cannons’ BBQ at the triathlon.  

Highlights from Gardens: Don Algie, aged 10 years competed in 11 events. Don medalled in nine events and set 5PBs. One of Don’s best swims was his 50 metre Breaststroke which he swam in a super time of 44.82 seconds which earnt him 1st place.  

Jack Ganter, aged 14 years set 7 PBs out of his eight events. Jack’s best swim was his 100 metre Butterfly which he swam in an excellent time of 1.33.21 which was a 13.39 second PB (and 1st place).

Jack’s brother, Thomas aged 11 years, also swam 7PBs. Thomas swam fantastic times in his 100 metre IM and 200 metre Freestyle which earnt him 1st place.  

Anisa Helou, aged 14 years, swam extremely well to earn 5PBs and top placings. Anisa’s best swim was her 100 metre IM which she swam a 5.46 second PB.  

Ehsan Helou, aged 15 years, had a very successful meet achieving PBs and top placings in all his races. Ehsan swam super Freestyle – swimming the 50 metre Freestyle in 26.28 seconds, 100 metre Freestyle in 58.42 seconds and 200 metre Freestyle in 2.16.38.  

Jasper Korosec, aged 10, thoroughly enjoyed his racing on Saturday. His best swim was his 100 metre IM in a time of 1.53.62 (a 1.07 second PB and 2nd place).  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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The Cannonvale Cannons competed at the Gardens in Townsville. Photo supplied

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The summer schedule at Great Barrier Reef is filling up with Queensland Cricket confirming three matches will be staged in Mackay in the 2023-24 season.

The recently upgraded venue will host the WBBL Brisbane Heat in the Weber Women’s Big Bash League for the sixth time while the Queensland Bulls return to the region for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

The Heat will come up against the reigning title holders Adelaide Strikers for a Saturday night showdown on Saturday, November 11.

The Strikers eliminated the Heat in last season’s preliminary final, ensuring November’s match to be a thriller.

In keeping with Queensland Cricket’s ongoing commitment to bringing top level cricket to regional centres, the Queensland Bulls will make a return to Mackay, playing a Marsh Sheffield Shield game and Marsh One Day match against Victoria in October.

The Sheffield Shield game will run from October 14-17 October and the One Dayer will be played on October 19.

Prior to the arrival of the Bulls and the Heat, Mackay will host one-day and four-day matches featuring Australia A and New Zealand A from September 4.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a massive coup for the region to be able to host so many top class cricket matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

“This venue has gone from strength to strength, and it will be tremendous to be able to showcase it, and our region, to international audiences,” he said.

“Mackay crowds love their cricket, and I have no doubt they will be out in force to support our elite Queensland and Australian teams.

“It really is fantastic to see the young fans able to interact with their sporting heroes and see them in action in their hometown.

Acting Queensland Cricket CEO Liam Hibbert said the return of the WBBL and re-introduction of domestic men’s cricket to the Mackay-Whitsunday region would continue to help with growing the game.

“The support for cricket from the areas remains strong and we are very pleased to partner again with the Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association to bring top class matches and teams to Great Barrier Reef Arena,’’ he said.

Tickets for Weber WBBL|09 matches will be available on August 24.

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The WBBL Brisbane Heat and the Queensland Bulls will return to Mackay late this year. Photo supplied: Great Barrier Reef Arena

Queensland Rugby League’s girl of the moment Emily Bella is still the same athlete from Mackay with dreams of playing in the NRLW series.

The talented playmaker captured the imagination of the sporting public earlier this month when she figured prominently in the Maroons’ Under 19 Girls Origin triumph over NSW at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium.

A cousin of former Queensland and Kangaroos Test prop Martin Bella, young Emily is already following in the steps of her famous relative who was renowned for his punishing defence and bulldozing runs.

Blooded in her debut Origin clash as an interchange hooker, the versatile Bella played a key role in Queensland’s spirited 20-14 victory over the Under 19 Blues – nabbing a vital solo try and booting two goals to cap a superb display.

With the Maroons trailing 10-4 at the break, Queensland coach Deanna Turner introduced the crafty Bella into the match at the 36th minute mark.

And the Mackay Cutters product made a huge impact after quicksilver fullback Destiny Mino-Sinapati dashed over to score for the Maroons and bridge the gap to two points.

It was Emily’s explosive running from dummy half that turned the match for Queensland – bursting through tackles to post the Maroons third try and convert for a 14-10 lead before instigating another for centre and Cutters’ club mate Libby Surha soon after.

Coach Turner was full of praise for her charges, claiming “they just kept on turning up for each other and delivered in the second half.”

The victory over NSW is a career highlight and she experienced the feat with her Mackay colleagues Libby Surha and Lily Peacock.

19-year-old Emily, a graduate of St Patrick’s College Mackay, has always shown enormous potential as a half back or five eighth with organisational skills.

She played her junior rugby league with the Sarina Crocodiles and Walkerston Wanderers and tuned up for the Under 19s Origin with some A Grade matches for the Brothers club.

During her rise through the Cutters’ junior ranks, Bella has always been a strong defender with a sound kicking game and the ability to steer her team around the park.

She represented Queensland Country Under 17s before forcing her way into the Cutters’ Harvey Norman Under 19s squad these past three seasons.

Growing up, Emily was always inspired by her cousin Martin’s achievements that include 21 State of Origins, nine tests and 235 first grade games.

A broken finger prevented Emily from featuring in Mackay’s BMD Women’s premiership campaign earlier this year but the classy half has an immediate goal – to earn an NRLW contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.

As a devoted Cowboys supporter, she would love nothing more than to pull on a navy, grey, yellow and white jumper and mix it with the best players in the Queensland women’s ranks.

By Chris Karas

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Talented Mackay Cutters trio Libby Surha, Emily Bella and Lily Peacock hold the Under 19s Women’s Origin shield aloft after helping Queensland defeat NSW at Kayo Stadium

Emily Bella celebrates her U/19s Origin triumph with her mother Shaunagh and members of the Bella family clan