Ahead of Thursday night's women's Under 19s State of Origin at Leichhardt Oval, we take a closer look at our four representatives.
Lily Peacock
Crowned the Player of the Match in the Mackay Cutters BMD Premiership last month, 18-year-old Prosperine Brahmans junior has shown why she is one of the most promising young forwards in rugby league. Currently a member of the top 24 squad, Peacock made her NRLW debut with the Cowboys in Round 7, 2023, finishing the season in the starting side.
Ebony Raftstrand-Smith
Raftstrand-Smith is a strong and speedy outside back who was named at centre in the 2023 Australian Schoolgirls team. Born in New Zealand, Raftstrand-Smith signed with the Cowboys on a development contract last year but will join her sister Tiana on a Top 24 contract in 2024. The 18-year-old was a mainstay in the Cutters Premiership winning side this year and was crowned the team’s Rookie of the Year.
Caitlin Tanner
A development contracted player, Tanner joins the Cowboys after a strong debut BMD season for the Wynumm Manly Seagulls where she played both in the halves and at hooker. A renowned defender with a strong kicking game, the Bundaberg junior will wear the #6 jersey for the Maroons on Thursday night.
Paityne Johns
The Player of the Match in the Mackay Cutters 2024 Under 19s Premiership, Johns is a very talented up-and-coming No.9. The Mackay Magpies rugby league junior also has a background in Oztag, having represented Queensland on three occasions. Johns has been named as Queensland’s 18th player for Thursday night.
