SPURRED on by a record three women’s tackle teams in the Hunter Junior League this season, the Nelson Bay Marlins club continues to make huge strides.
Ben Whaler and Trent Colley’s all-conquering under 14 Marlins remain undefeated after seven rounds in the division three series while Murray Small’s under 16s lineup is entrenched in second spot.
It is a huge achievement by the Nelson Bay club after fielding a combined under 16s team last season with the Stockton Sharks.
As a stand alone team in 2026, the Marlins under 16s have won four of their six matches in the division three women’s tackle competition and are on target for the end-of-year finals.
Coach Small has assembled a versatile squad featuring inspirational leaders in fullback Mia McDonald and top forwards Isy Groves and Avs Warrington.
The girls have chalked up wins over Stockton Sharks (38-10), Raymond Terrace Roosters (22-0), Cessnock Goannas (58-0) and Muswellbrook Rams (20-18) and tasted two defeats against unbeaten West Maitland Roos (20-4) and East Maitland Griffins (16-14) last weekend at Salamander Bay Sports Complex.
In top class sprinter McDonald the Marlins have a dynamic athlete with a penchant for scoring tries along with dashing backs Milly Briscoe, Mariah Hicks, Khloey Barrett, Evie Cook, Searni Thorning, Tayla Provis, Rahf Kareem, Giselle Woods and Nirvana Goyne.
Nelson Bay’s hard working forward pack led by Groves, hooker Warrington, props Narlu Jackson and Sienna Moore, strong running locks Lucy Hutchins and Kiarna Barrett, Kyla Small, Lilli Putica, Alirah Shields, Ella Reid and Jade Moyle have laid the foundations with their high work rates, robust defence and power running.
A delighted Small is pleased at how his team is tracking in the early rounds of the 2026 competition.
Last weekend’s narrow two- point loss to East Maitland was a hiccup and runaway leaders West Maitland are the yardstick for other clubs as the season unfolds.
Assisted by Jasmine Small, manager Donna Groves and trainers Michael Dugan, Chad Warrington and Tali Gleeson the Marlins under 16s are a combination to watch in the lead up to the big end-of-season matches.
By Chris KARAS
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