Regional Queensland no barrier for Storch

It has been quite a different year for Central Queensland's Mariah Storch.

Since first lacing up the boots in 2015, life has been a constant hustle and bustle for the 23-year-old as she juggles being an elite athlete whilst happily living and working in regional Queensland.

Whether it be trekking across the Central Highlands to play locally in the Allied Pickfords Premiership or jet-setting around the country with the Brisbane Broncos, it would be a huge understatement to describe Storch's past five years as just 'busy'.

But 2020 has been a welcomed change for the back-rower, enjoying a well-earned break away whilst preparing for the birth of her first child early next year; however, the mother-to-be is looking to get back to things as soon as she can.

"I’ve enjoyed the time away from the game. It’s been good to just relax and enjoy family time rather than rushing around all over the joint," Storch said.

"But I’m aiming to return for the BHP Premiership, if it’s achievable.

"Some people have told me it is, some people have told me it isn’t... but the aim is to get back to that level and put my name forward for a Broncos contract again if I can get through the BHP Premiership uninjured."

Living and working in Blackwater, 200 kilometres west of Rockhampton, Storch has been able to forge a formidable rugby league career - including an Origin debut and two NRLW premierships - without needing to relocate from the same town that gave the Queensland representative her first taste of rugby league six years ago.

"The pathway is definitely there to allow anyone from regional Queensland who wants to play the game at [the elite] level," the Broncos gun said.

"You just need to work for it to be noticed."

The work Storch speaks of is the extra training and sacrifices she's had to make to advance to the top.

"It has involved a lot of extra hours training and a lot of work behind the scenes that many don’t see," QRP #127 said.

"This sort of work I might not have had to have done if I lived in Brisbane because there would usually be training sessions each week plus extras, but because I live here [in Blackwater], it's a different story.

"Most times I’d have to do it by myself or grab [my partner] Jay to help me train."

But despite having to make the extra commitment, the 2018 Queensland utility is more than happy to continue her journey in the coal capital, thanks to the elite female pathways rugby league offer.

"The pathways are really good to allow us to [continue living here] and I am still able to maintain a full-time job here in regional Queensland while pursuing my career in rugby league," Storch said. 

"I’m hoping I can still do that in the future, because I have a pretty good job at the mines, but I also get the luxury of being able to play footy which is another aspect of my career."

With BHP presenting two female talent identification clinics in regional Queensland - one in Moranbah on Friday and one in Emerald on Saturday, Storch encourages all budding females to participate and open the door to future opportunities.

"Anyone who attends the clinic... it shows your extra keen," the proud Central Highlands representative said.

"You don’t have to come… and it doesn’t necessarily mean if you don’t show up, you won’t make it, but it will show that you’re keen and want to play the game and love to play the game at the next level.

"It’ll also allow you to show your skills off in more of a one-on-one situation in front of one of the leading coaches of the women’s game [in Kelvin Wright].

"It can then open the door for other opportunities in the future with the pathways that are there."