NELSON Bay Marlins Junior Rugby League Club are proving a force to be reckoned with in the women’s tackle ranks this season.
For the first time since the club’s formation, the Marlins have entered three girls’ teams in the 2026 Hunter Junior League competitions – and the talent on show has borne immediate fruit.
Leading the way are the all-conquering Under 14 Marlins, coached by Ben Whaler and Trent Colley, who remain undefeated Division 3 competition leaders after four rounds.
They are joined by Bo Earl’s Under 12 and Murray Small’s Under 16 women’s tackle lineups in a history-making achievement for the Port Stephens-based club.
Nelson Bay Under 14s have dominated the early rounds, chalking up four successive victories over Central (22-12), Wests (30-4), Raymond Terrace Roosters (28-16) and West Maitland Roos (30-18).
The Marlins’ Female Liaison Officer Petah Price told News Of The Area that women’s junior rugby league was beginning to flourish in the Hunter region.
“We have had an influx of girl players join the club and to be able to field three teams this season is a huge accomplishment,” said Petah, who manages the Under 14 squad.
Outstanding half back prospect Maebel Colley has proved a real find in the number seven jumper in her rookie season of rugby league.
A gifted athlete with natural organisational skills, ball-playing Maebel has shown her class and points-scoring ability in all four matches to date.
She has menaced opponents with her power and turn of speed and has already bagged 10 tries and nine goals for a personal tally of 58 points.
Maebel was at her classy best in the team’s victory over the Roosters, dashing over for four tries and booting four goals in a superb individual display.
The Marlins skipper has formed a crack combination with five eighth Harper Harvey and strong-running second-rower Meah Richards.
Other players to leave their mark in the early rounds include centres Indyana Chapman and Shae Vogtmann; fullback Fern Cullimore, wingers Grace Walshe, Taya Sproule, Jessie Last and Laila Shires; hooker Harlow Colley, props Harper Lewis, Adlyn Wilson and Billie Sommerville; back rowers Amara Small and Harlow Earnshaw and talented lock forward Arabella Whaler.
A testament to the squad’s depth of talent has been the strong performances of interchange players Ruby Provis, Cruiz Manning and Emerald O’Malley.
Trainers Malcolm Sproule and Samantha Harvey have also played vital roles in the team’s early success.
Nelson Bay fielded two female teams last season in the Hunter Junior League – a combined Under 16s side with Stockton Sharks, plus an Under 14s outfit that finished undefeated minor premiers before losing the Grand Final to South Newcastle Lions.
By Chris KARAS
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