Some promising local juniors will feature in Manly's second season in the Lisa Fiaola Cup this season.
The Lisa Fiaola Cup is a junior competition for female players turning 16 or 17 who play in the Manly Warringah District Junior Rugby League and is part of the club's pathways program.
We caught up with Coach Daniel Markham ahead of the U17s team's first game against St George Dragons at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, at 1pm on Saturday, February 10, after having a bye in round one.
WC: What impresses you about this squad?
DM: What impresses me most with the squad is how they have formed a close bond and are willing to play for one another. I think the team will be competitive this season as they are enjoying playing and training together.
WC: Where do our strengths lie?
DM: The strengths would be how the girls all want to listen and learn but also wanna play for one another.
WC: Why did you choose Liesl Hopoate and Siulolo Richter as captains? What made them stand out in the pre-season?
DM: These two girls are both leaders on and off the field and the girls look up to them.
WC: Every team’s goal is to make the finals, but outside of this, it’s about the development of the players, on and off the field. How important is this?
DM: As a team, our goals are to make the semi-finals but our main focus is on the development of our players on and off the field. Our biggest focus is making sure the girls are making sure they are improving as a player but also improving as a playing group.
WC: Who are the players to look out for this season?
DM: These three girls I've chosen are all local Manly juniors and are very talented young girls.
Sixteen-year-old Kelsey Berryman is a crafty half-back who isn't scared to take the line on. Kelsey also played for the NSW Maori team in the Harmony Cup.
Liesl Hopoate, 17, is a strong ball running centre and a strong edge defender.
Siuolou Ritcher, 17, is an exciting player with her strong ball carries and her solid defence.
