In the spotlight: Abbie Renouf-Dowdle

Rugby league runs in Abbie Renouf-Dowdle’s blood.

The great-niece of Queensland Maroons legend Steve Renouf – FOG #71 – Abbie has long dreamed of being able to play the game herself.

And last year, after nearly a decade in soccer, the 17-year-old signed up with the South Burnett Eagles to finally pursue that goal.

“I’ve always wanted to play but I played soccer in the NPL (the National Premier Leagues) for a few years so I could never do it,” Abbie said.

“But last year (2022) I just decided to quit soccer and try footy for a bit.

“I wanted to just try something different from soccer… I like the physicality of league.

“I went down to my local club, the South Burnett Eagles, and they had a training session to come try it out and see if you like it.

“I loved it so I came back to the rest of the training (sessions) and started playing.”

From here, Abbie – who hails from Kingaroy – joined the Wide Bay Bulls for season 2023 of the Harvey Norman Under 19s and, when that was over, started playing with Toowoomba Brothers.

South Burnett no longer had the right age group for Abbie so she had to travel nearly two hours one way to maintain her place in rugby league, with the support of her parents.

“Mum and dad kind of suggested places to go and a friend of mine played for Brothers so I thought I would ask and see if there were any spots left on the team so they said to come down and try it out,” the young halfback or centre said.

“It was really good. All the girls were super nice and everyone was really welcoming to new players.

“It was a bit harder this year being in Year 11 (to do the travel) but I just tried to get everything done during school so I wouldn’t have to worry about it with training and stuff.”

Her parents – with her dad a massive fan of the Newcastle Knights – have been two of her biggest supporters while Abbie’s idol is North Queensland Cowboys and Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons star, Tallisha Harden.

She met Harden in 2020 at the State of Origin women’s match played on the Sunshine Coast and said she tries to emulate her grit.

“I love how aggressive she gets in her games,” Abbie said.

“Sometimes (I try to do the same). I just get in there, give it a go. I’m quite small so I usually can’t bring down people myself and need to get a bit of help, but I still try.

“I’d love to play NRLW one day. I don’t care what team, I just want to play.”

The Kingaroy State High student has already returned to training with the Wide Bay Bulls Harvey Norman Under 19s team and said she hopes to see more recruits join up ahead of season 2024.

“Don’t be scared,” Abbie said.

“Just give it a go. You never know, you might love it. It’s not that scary once you start playing.”