CORLETTE schoolgirl Maebel Colley has experienced a memorable week on the local sporting front.
Fresh after being named Player of the NSW Combined High Schools under-15 touch football team, the emerging rugby league halfback has steered the Nelson Bay Marlins into a Hunter Junior League grand final appearance.
The outstanding Tomaree High School athlete was at her skilful best in last Saturday’s 24-12 triumph over West Maitland Roos in the Women’s Tackle under-14 Division 3 preliminary final at Aberglassyn.
Rookie playmaker Maebel produced another smart display in the number seven jumper to help the Marlins advance to this year’s grand final.
The Nelson Bay club are on a mission when they tackle Greta-Branxton Colts in this weekend’s trophy decider at St John Oval, Charlestown.
After tasting their first defeat of the season when humbled 22-14 by the Colts in the qualifying final, the well-drilled Marlins are keen to exact revenge.
In top prospect Maebel, the club has unearthed a real trump card.
The naturally gifted halfback has enjoyed a dream debut season – captaining the Marlins to a minor premiership title and proving a points-scoring machine in her first stint of tackle rugby league.
Maebel has made a huge impact in this year’s Hunter Junior League by scoring an incredible personal tally of 174 points in the under-14s women’s tackle competition.
This includes a staggering 27 tries and 33 goals in 12 matches played to date – a tremendous achievement by the rookie dynamo.
Her halves partner Cruiz Manning has also proved a try-scoring sensation for the Marlins, bagging an impressive 18 four-pointers since joining the team in the early rounds.
Maebel, Cruiz and sprint star Mia McDonald all starred for the NSW Combined High Schools under-15s touch football team that won the recent State All Schools championship tournament in Sydney.
All three represented Tomaree High School and are Nelson Bay Neptunes junior touch football products.
McDonald, who is part of the Marlins’ under-16 women’s tackle squad, was later chosen to represent NSW All Schools.
In a cruel twist, classy middle Maebel was overlooked for selection in the NSW All Schools squad despite being named the triumphant NSW CHS team’s most valuable player by tournament officials.
By Chris KARAS
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