Proserpine's Lily Peacock: 'I love the contact and hard stuff in the middle'

"Because there was no girls team I travelled to Mackay three times a week for about four years to play for a club... dedicated from day one.

"Went from Brahmans under 10s to 12s, played for the Mackay Wanderers throughout junior league and then played rep for Mackay Cutters and now I'm with the North Queensland Cowboys for NRLW... keen for this year's season.

"So good, coming off the back of our Cutters BMD Premiership comp and next month going into pre-season for the Cows... pretty excited for that.

"I just love the physicality of league; I just love how physical and how hard and tough you've got to be to play the sport. It doesn't really get much better."

Peacock will be in action for the Cutters - sitting on top of the BMD Premiership ladder as minor premiers - in the final regular round of the season on Sunday against Norths Devils.

Peacock said her ultimate goal was to play for the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons after getting her first Queensland jersey in 2023 with the Queensland Under 19 side.

"Obviously going out with them girls, my biggest goal is to be playing women's... I'm getting there... I know there's a lot of work to do and positions are going to be hard to take - the girls are pretty strong, so it'll be hard to crack the side... but I'm working hard," Peacock said.

"The women are just so awesome. They get out there and really show New South Wales what it's about... I just love that hard stuff in the middle.

"I love the contact and the hard stuff in the middle... I think that's what I lead with and my leadership is getting better through the middle... I just lead with my actions."

When it comes to role models, Peacock said she was inspired by her dad and had always looked up to players like Shannon Mato.

"My dad has been a massive role model for me... he was driving me to Mackay - a three-hour round trip three times a week... just to have that support from my parents from day one .... my dad always said 'you know, you can do whatever you want... whatever you put your mind to' and it's all paying off," Peacock said.

"My parents are so excited (for me, making the Emerging Squad). They love it. My dad has frothed the game ever since he was a little boy so to see me coming through, it's a big dream for him too, to see me kicking goals."

Peacock said making this year's Queensland Under 19 side was her short-term goal.

"It would mean so much," she said.

"I had the opportunity last year. I know every week it's going to be hard to get that side. There's 24 of us and that will get chopped, so I've just got to keep putting the work in... I'd be so honoured to wear the Queensland badge on my jersey again... it means a lot. Bring it on."