Central Queensland Capras: BMD Premiership gains and losses for 2024
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When Emma Paki first ruptured her ACL, she never realised it may become a blessing in disguise for her.
The outside back was on top of the rugby league world in 2022 – she was part of the Central Queensland Capras outfit that made the BMD Premiership grand final, she represented Queensland at the Under 19 level for a second time, she made her NRLW debut with the Newcastle Knights, and was named BMD Premiership Rookie of the Year.
But her season ended in a way she did not expect when she suffered the ACL injury in the NRLW grand final – which her Knights went on to win.
“The grand final… it was good and bad,” Paki said.
“Winning was the highlight of it but coming away with the injury was a bit of a downfall. When people ask me how I felt after the game, it was a bit mixed emotions.”
The year that followed on the sidelines was a funny one for Paki.
The 21-year-old had dedicated much of her life to sport, playing touch football and netball growing up before making the switch to league.
And while it was naturally hard to not be part of the action in 2023, the break turned out to be exactly what she needed.
“The year has been a lot of rehab, which is something a bit different for me,” Paki said.
“I’ve never stopped playing sports since I was six-years-old. It was a bit different but I spent more time with family than usual.
“It was a good time but hard watching the Capras play and all the girls from Newcastle in the NRLW grand final again.
“It was a well-needed break. It was a good break so I could focus on myself a little bit more.
“I always did sport. That’s all I knew. Not doing it, I didn’t know what to expect. But I just had more time for myself, more time for family, which I haven’t done in a while.
“Coming back this year, I’m more excited to play.”
For Paki, there was only ever one place she was going to play her BMD Premiership football from.
After spending some time in Gladstone, she is back in Rockhampton and enjoying life under her new coach, Julyess Jarvis, and with her new teammates, including Hannah and Jesse Southwell, who she played with at Newcastle.
Also returning this year is reigning Dally M medallist, Tamika Upton.
“It feels really good, especially coming back to my hometown and playing for them, I’m really excited,” she said.
“I always knew I would come back to Rocky. I am always going to play for Capras, I’m not going to play for any other club other than my home.
“We have a good bunch of girls, they’re excited to play.
“Our team goal is probably to be the team that everyone wants to avoid. We want to play strong and tough and just be that team that everyone wants to beat.”
As for herself, Paki will make her return from her ACL injury into a new position.
She will start in the halves on Saturday, in Central Queensland’s Round 1 clash with the Western Clydesdales, and is set to pair with Jesse Southwell.
With 45 minutes under her belt from a pre-season trial, Paki is ready and determined to get back on the field officially.
“This year, it’s just playing consistent footy,” the No.6 said.
“I’ve moved to the halves now, which will be really interesting partnering with Jesse Southwell. It’s going to be a new experience but something I’m interested to approach.
“I’ve worked with Julyess before and he believed in me that I could play that role for the Capras.
“Jesse and I had our first session together last week and it’s really good to learn off of her and watch how she plays half.
“We have a good connection and we can play off each other, and same with Tamika (Upton) too. We have the spine to connect really well.”
Central Queensland Capras 2024 gains and losses
Gains
Kayleigh Broadwith (Yeppoon Seagulls), Delaney Claridge (Central Queensland Capras Harvey Norman Under 19), Tori Dakin (Central Queensland Capras Harvey Norman Under 19), Lydia Durkin (Brisbane Rugby Union), Kate Ferling (Valleys Brisbane), Tiaan Harbin (Central Queensland Capras Harvey Norman Under 19), Taylor Hook (Rockhampton Brothers), Mattresa House (Norths Chargers), Victoria Jean-Taingahue (Blackwater Crushers), Haylea Lonergan (Blackwater Crushers), Jess Olsson (Rockhampton Brothers), Emma Paki (ACL/Newcastle Knights NRLW), Shonel Pope (Fitzroy Sharks), Hannah Southwell (Newcastle Knights), Jesse Southwell (Newcastle Knights), Chloe Tipman (Central Queensland Capras Harvey Norman Under 19), Tamika Upton (Newcastle Knights), Aleena Whipp (Central Queensland Capras Harvey Norman Under 19), Lucy White (Rockhampton Brothers)
Losses
Maarire Barnett (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Shauna Barnham (Norths Devils), Sarah Field (unknown), Layne Ivey (unknown), Kirby Richardson (unknown), Courtney Robinson (Brisbane Tigers), Tarni Smith (local league), Tay Steer (unknown), Peyton Storch (Blackwater Crushers), Lillian Yarrow (North Queensland Cowboys)
