There was a Mackay debut for the North Queensland Cowboys last month, but not where most would suspect.
Former Mackay North State High School student, Caitlin Lauga made her first appearance for the Cowboys Cheer Squad in their game against the Titans.
The Cowboys blazed to an easy 30-4 victory in that late April fixture, and it's impossible to know whether Caitlin’s debut in the Cheer Squad was the difference maker on the day.
Now Studying Secondary Teaching HPE and English at James Cook University in Townsville, the Mackay born professional dancer has quickly cemented herself in the cheer line-up.
A part of the Cheer Team and Dance Troup all of high school, Caitlin has been a dancer from the age of seven, and with her move up to the tropical north is fulfilling a childhood dream.
When she arrived in Townsville to study at JCU, a call was put out by the Cowboys seeking prospective cheerleaders, and Caitlin jumped at the opportunity.
With a certificate in dance as well, Caitlin was the perfect candidate, and three weeks later she was making her debut in front of the home crowd.
“I loved it. I had my dad and his friend come and watch, it was so great,” Caitlin said.
“Sitting on the field as well, the atmosphere is amazing and it feels good to perform, to watch the game and support the boys as well.”
The now Townsville resident joked about her rugby league allegiances.
“I actually was raised a Roosters supporter and my brother and dad are Broncos’ supporters,” Caitlin laughed.
“But, if the Cowboys are playing I’ll still support them.”
Her mum was eagerly watching away on television down in Brisbane and said she caught a snippet of Caitlin.
“They didn’t show much of us, but mum got a little glimpse of me and recorded it,” Caitlin laughed.
There are 18 cheerleaders in the Cowboys Cheer Squad, and Caitlin is extremely proud to be amongst their ranks performing in the pre-game cheers as well as the guard which ushers in the players.
“I didn’t think it was going to be possible to get in,” she said.
“I just want people to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there. It feels really good to be a part of this and to achieve this goal.”
Her next performance will be at the home game on May 21.
Mackay’s Caitlin Lauga is the newest cheerleader in the North Queensland Cowboys Cheer Squad
Caitlin with some of the group of 18 cheerleaders in the Cheer Squad
