THE Port Macquarie Hastings region was well-represented in Miami on the Gold Coast this month at the Oztag Interstate Series.
A direct State of Origin clash, 56 teams competed at the event, with the 28 playing divisions featuring two teams – one each from NSW/ACT and Queensland.
Local representatives included captain Mandy McKinnon and Natalie West, who earned selection in the Australian team, along with assistant coach Greg Gleeson.
The 16 members of the Women’s 37s NSW Blues team ranged in age from 37 to 48.
They only started playing three years ago after a break during the COVID pandemic.
NSW played four games against Queensland, winning two-nil, four-three, four-nil, and a one-all draw, making them series champions.
McKinnon was delighted with the results.
“It’s a massive achievement to be selected to represent my state,” she told News Of The Area.
“To captain my team three years in a row is a huge privilege and something that I am very proud of.
“I love the opportunity to be coached by the best and to play with the best; it’s tough competition but definitely something that you want to be a part of.”
With members of the team spread across the state and ACT, the team only came together in Sydney for a single training session.
Natalie West has been competing at a representative level for the last eight years.
Named Players Player, she said it was a ‘tough tournament’.
“Queensland were strong and the games were very fast,” she said.
“I hope the result will inspire more females to play Oztag.
“Locals placing so well shows how strong we are at grassroots level.”
West heads to Coffs Harbour on 16 October as part of the Australian team in the Oztag World Cup, playing against Great Britain, New Zealand, Niue and the Australian Indigenous team.
By Rachael THORPE
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