Queensland coach Turner: ‘Excited to see what everyone can do’

Queensland Under 19 coach Deanna Turner is passionate about Queensland and passionate about all of the girls under her tutelage.

Turner, who coach the Queensland Under 19 side to a 20-14 win over New South Wales in 2023, said the aim of the whole camp was to “bring the girls together and have a bit of fun”.

“Teach them about what the Queensland spirit looks like and hopefully give them the opportunity to see what it takes to get to the next level, and talk them through that, but mostly about enjoyment and connection and coming together to get that W at the end of it,” Turner said.

“I think they’re an amazing squad. They’re an amazing group, eager to learn, so much potential.

“What they bring to the game of footy, it’s scary the talent that they’ve got at such a young age, so I’m really looking forward to seeing them come together, build on their connection and on Thursday, put it all together out on the park.”

Turner said “100 per cent, without a doubt” it was a squad that could get the job done, including returning players Ebony Raftstrand-Smith, Skyla Adams, Matekino Gray, Lily Peacock, Rilee Jorgensen, Shaylee Joseph, Malaela Su’a and Destiny Mino-Sinapati.

“Those who are returning from last year, they’ve seen what it’s all about and what it takes… I just think that the effort that’s required is a step up to what they’re used to… and those girls who have played in the NRLW system, I’m really looking forward just seeing what they’ve done and how much they’ve grown in the 12 months since last year,” Turner said.

“Then there’s some babies out there. Some of the younger ones coming through, this is the first time they’ve played at a rep level… I’m just excited to see what everyone can do.”