THE Holli Wheeler Cup kicked into action at Stuart Park, Port Macquarie on Friday, 9 May.
The event provides teenage girls, regardless of their rugby league playing experience, the chance to take part in a nine-a-side school competition, in either U14 or U16 age divisions.
Since its conception the Holli Wheeler Cup has grown rapidly in popularity, corresponding with the increasing number of females now playing rugby league in NSW, with the competition attracting teams from across the Port Macquarie-Hastings and Manning regions.
Many schools now view the event not only as a taster for the start of the school rugby league season, but as a platform for aspiring players to be exposed to representative pathways.
“It is great to see the girls out here playing today,” National Rugby League (NRL) Game Development Officer Garry Stevenson told News Of The Area.
“This is a feeder into our Schoolgirls Cup, which is a 13-a-side state-wide competition that will be played at the start of June.”
Competing last Friday were students from Camden Haven High School, who highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament.
“The competition is a lot of fun and a great opportunity,” said Taela from the U16 Girls Team.
“The girls who we are up against have some incredible talent so this is a good chance for our team to see where our strengths are and what areas we need to work on.”
By Kim AMBROSE
