Sea Eagles Tarsha Gale Cup Season Preview
The chance to be part of history is what is driving the very first Manly Warringah Sea Eagles women’s rugby league team in 2023.
What was spoken about for a number of years will finally come to fruition this Saturday, February 4, when the Sea Eagles tackle the Wests Tigers in the opening round of the U19s Tarsha Gale Cup at Campbelltown Stadium at 1pm.
From the very first open trial session in late September that saw young girls come from afar to the grind of pre-season work, it has been one very exciting and incredible journey for the players, coaching staff, and all involved with the inaugural Sea Eagles Tarsha Gale Cup team this season.
Sea Eagles Coach Nick Wolfgramm said the players understand the opportunity before them to lay the foundation for a strong women’s rugby league program at Manly, just like the very first group of men did in the club’s inaugural season in 1947.
The Tarsha Gale Cup is the first major step for the club in the creation of a complete Sea Eagles female pathway, with the goal of gaining an NRLW licence.
“It has certainly been a motivating factor for the girls at training. They are very excited about creating their own little piece of history for Manly,’’ Wolfgramm said.
To be part of the very first women’s team for Manly is something very special
Coach Nick Wolfgramm
"I know it certainly played a part in our recruitment process. We have players from all different corners of NSW who travel 90 minutes to two hours to just attend training.
“Their commitment is there and their desire to learn and progress in their footy careers is evident.
“There is a very close bond between the players and I believe that is enough to be competitive throughout the year.”
Wolfgramm has given lock Ana-Sofima Seia Perez the honour of leading the Sea Eagles out as captain for their first premiership match.
“Ana is the leader of the pack. She is strong and determined. Very committed,’’ Wolfgramm said.
He also nominated centre Taleenza Nelson, prop Tafao Asaua, and second-rower Wanita Leatherby as players to watch out for.
“Taleenza is a strong ball runner with a competitive nature who can play back-row or centre,’’ Wolfgramm said.
“She has a great work ethic and the skills, strength and speed to be a game changer.
“Tafao is a big, powerful middle forward who is a strong defender and is very mobile for someone who is 6'3.
“Wanita is only in her second year playing rugby league. She comes from a netball background where she excelled in playing at representative levels.
“She is very athletic and eager to learn. Wanita is already showing leadership qualities and she can definitely achieve higher honours with a little more experience.”
2023 Sea Eagles Tarsha Gale Cup draw
