The BHP Premiership launched in Round 1 this year and gave talented female players the opportunity to showcase their skills in a truly statewide competition.
It was an exciting opening round of games and showed just how good the football would be when the players next return to the field.
While the competition has been called off for this year, the players are all looking to next season and preparing themselves for when they can next play.
This is a perfect opportunity to get to know some of the faces who are set to become the next stars of the game in the BHP Premiership.
The first player who took on the 'Fast five' questions challenge was Burleigh Bears five-eighth Teaghan Hartigan.
Fast five with Teaghan Hartigan
1. Football family - does anyone else in your family play? Who and with which team?
My dad, Aseri Laing, played football for Western Suburbs, Melbourne Storm, Burleigh Bears, then after retiring from Queensland's Intrust Super Cup, he ended up playing one more year for Southport Tigers in A Grade. I was in high school by the time he finished playing and now he’s a trainer down at Currumbin Eagles Football Club. My younger sister, Ebony Laing, also plays for Burleigh Bears. She would be in the Under 18 side this year, but she did her ACL at the end of last year. She’s been really successful in her age group with rep duties. As long as she works hard off this ACL reco, she should be pushing for a spot in BHP Premiership next year which would be cool to be able to play with my sister.
2. Favourite footy memory?
The Fiji Bulikula v Orchids International Test match last year would be my favourite memory to date. Having the opportunity to represent my Fijian heritage and having the privilege of not only putting on a jersey, but also being among the first 18 women to do so ever. Getting the win was amazing, but it really was more than just winning a game of footy. We were all so proud that we put in that performance, knowing that it was and our little bit of history we wrote and we were able to successfully showcase the athletic ability and passion that can come out of Fijian women’s rugby league if given the opportunity.
3. Fashion - what’s the most worn item in your wardrobe?
Definitely a scrunchie. I’m a stay-at-home mum to a three-year-old and 18-month-old and they don’t really allow for me to wash and comb my hair every day, so my frizzy fro is normally in a bun with a scrunchie.
4. Fitness tips - any favourite exercises or tips for staying motivated?
Personally, I like training with someone, whether it’s a group or just a partner. I like being pushed and also being accountable. My favourite type of exercise would be high intensity training, but with this time off, I want to be working on my weakness which would definitely be my upper body and core strength, so I’ll be using this time to lift more weights.
In regards to staying motivated, I think the people you interact with is a big one, especially in this time. I’m lucky my husband loves staying fit so I can work out with him, or my youngest sister and mum are both happy to work out and I stay in touch with mates who have the same mindset. I think if you set specific goals for yourself to work towards, so you can see the progress your making, but keep it fun, whether that’s switching up your normal routine, working out with someone, send challenges out to your team mates or get outdoors and down to the park for an hour just get a footy in hand.
Most importantly, we all have to remember footy isn’t cancelled, it’s just moved back a little bit, and what we choose to do now will show come the start of season.
5. Find out more - is there anything you are studying up on, reading, watching now that you are spending more time at home?
I don’t really have much spare time in the day with the kids running around, but we’ve probably picked up our board gaming of a night once the kids are in bed, just trying to get our competitive fix in now that all sports is off.
Favourite footy photo:
