Sport
19 January, 2026
Reigning champs back to business
THE reigning champs of the FNQ Rugby League Women’s division are back into the swing of things ahead of an exciting 2026 season.
The Atherton Roosters Women, who defeated a tough Yarrabah Seahawks side 48-24 in last year’s Grand Final, are back to work preparing for the upcoming season, which will see the inclusion of two new teams.
The Innisfail Leprechauns will return to the competition for the first time since 2021, while the Southern Suburbs will enter its very first women’s team.
Roosters Women’s captain Mayleen Oppermann said having two more teams in the competition was exciting.
“I think it’s really exciting having Innisfail return to the comp. They were an amazing team full of amazing women, so it’s exciting to see a bunch of those ladies come back and represent their hometown,” she said.
“And with Suburbs coming into the comp, they’ve got a great coach, so I think both teams will be a threat to look out for.”
She was also pleased to see women’s league growing in the region.
“Just watching the competition grow in the junior space as well as the women’s space, into having pathways like the (Northern) Pride straight into the Cowboys – it’s amazing for our women,” she said.
“The more attention we get up here, the more involvement we have in our comp, and the better chances we have of getting our next generation over the line into the big leagues.”
After their first training session last week, Oppermann said she and the team were happy to be back into it.
“I think the girls and I are kind of missing the footy to be honest – we’re all dying to get back out there,” she said.
“We’ve got really good numbers. We’ve got a few new girls and a bunch still here from our original squad.”
The Roosters proved to be a powerhouse last season, and though it’s likely all eyes will be on the reigning champs this year, Oppermann said the team will be focusing on themselves.
“Obviously it’s good motivation for us to keep pushing and back up what we accomplished last season, but it’s not at the forefront of our minds – we’re just excited to get back out there, spend time with each other and play as a team,” she said.
“Our biggest focus is fitness really. It’s the same for every season, we just get fit, bond, and get around each other as much as we can.”
The Roosters Women will kick off their season with a trial match against the returning Leprechauns on 21 February in Innisfail.
