Shooting the Breeze with Queenland's Shannon Mato

G’day from Sydney! In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Super W final is on today! I’ve travelled down to support. Good luck to all the players!

Kick off time is 4:30pm at the Leichhardt Oval (which is in Western Sydney). Should be a cracker of a game!

Earlier this week, I caught up with Queensland lock, Shannon Mato. I hope you enjoy reading our chat, as much as I enjoyed talking with her. Go Shannon!!!

Hey Shannon, congrats on a great team win in the play-off last weekend.

Thank you!

You played brilliantly. What’s been the teams mindset this week, since that game?

Just to execute well together, to be patient, to work well together, to just relax, but be hungry at the same time, to go in with contention.

What’s been your highlight this year, during the Super W season?

I would say being a part of the whole Super W has been my highlight and just going out and putting on the maroon jersey.

You were chosen to be a part of the Classic Wallaroo’s match a few weeks back. What are some things you learnt from that experience?

It was a really good experience. It was a big eye opener for me, the culture was good. And you can make good friendships by playing rugby. I learnt that culture means a lot, out there in the country (we were playing in a country town). 

How long have you been playing rugby for? And also, what inspired you to play rugby, right at the beginning?

So I started off with Rugby League in school, when I was 13. Then I moved over to Australia [from New Zealand] and my friends asked me to play Sevens, just for fitness, then Sunnybank asked me to play fifteens. Thats how I started playing Rugby Union, in grade 11. What inspired me to play rugby… that was my brother. He always had a passion for it and he just told me to come down to a club. I started playing and I fell in love rugby.

What’s something you love to do when you’re not playing rugby?

I love animals. I have two dogs, Bentley and Zeuss… I love them very much. Other than that, I love to sing. I have sung for school, but I’m normally too shy to sing out there. But in my own time, I love to sing.

All the best this weekend Shannon! I’ll be cheering you on this Sunday, in Sydney.

Thank you! Thank you for having me.

Heart to Heart with Hana

A Conversation with Queensland (and Wallaroos) Prop Hana Ngaha

To close followers of women’s rugby, Hana Ngaha doesn’t need an introduction. A bedrock of the Wallaroos since 2017, Hana has also helped lead the Queensland women’s side to prominence in recent years.

It’s a big week for her State’s team. Fresh off a play-off win against the Brumbies (where she scored a great try!) she and the team are looking forward to playing in the Super W final against New South Wales this Sunday!

Hana talked about where she feels the team is at in the middle of finals week and what her number one personal goal is for the future (hint: it’s got nothing to do with rugby.)

Hey Hana, thanks for taking the time to catch up. Big week for you guys for sure!

No worries!

What’s been the attitude amongst the team, leading up to the final?

Everyone’s been really positive hey. We’ve got a good team culture at the moment… through out the whole campaign actually. Everyone’s real positive and I think that’s really important.

Are you planning to score a try this week, like you did last week?

I think that’s the plan every week. Hopefully, I’ll see what I can do aye! (Laughs)

It was amazing seeing six women score six tries last week down at Ballymore. Congrats on the win by the way.

Thanks!

But looking forward… What do you think it’s going to take to beat New South Wales in Sydney this weekend?

I think it’ll be important for our forwards to be on our top game. They’ve got some really fit, experienced forwards. But I think we’ve got it in our team, obviously with our passion and with our skill set and our attitude. I know we’ve got it this weekend. 

You’ve performed at a high level, having played for the Queensland and the Wallaroo’s for several years now. What are your personal goals looking forward?

I think I’m coming towards the end of my rugby career. I’ve got a couple of kids at home that have just started playing competitive rugby and my daughter’s started playing netball, so I’d love to support them. Over the years, I’ve supported them, but I’d love to support them 100% and go back and hopefully make them good! (Laughs)

What advice do you have for young rugby players, both boys and girls?

I think it’s gotta be: “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”. It’s so cliche, but it’s so true.

Awesome. Thanks again for taking time to chat. All the best this weekend! See you in Sydney.

That’s awesome! Thanks for your support.

Rugby and Dad's Amazing Advice: A Conversation with Alana Elisaia

Alana Elisaia

Fresh off her experience playing in last weeks “classic Wallaroos” match, I had a good time chatting to Alana Elisaia during training this week. Of course, she didn’t play in the match because she’s an “old wallaroos” per-say, but was one of several “up-and-comers” selected to play alongside the greats.

She’s definitely proven that status as her own, during Queensland’s Super W season. She’s scored three tries against the Rebels in round one and has scored several more since then.

As Women’s rugby takes off, Alana is definitely a player to keep your eye on!

Hi Alana, how are you?

Good thank you!

First up, can you tell us about about the exciting classic Wallaroos match you took part in last weekend?

Yeah, that was pretty amazing for me. Because I got to play with all the ex-Wallaroo’s ladies. My hero in rugby, being Cheyenne Cambell, they didn’t really know her, because she was after their generation. But for me, she’s one of the “old” players! I was pretty blown away. They were telling me stories about when they were wearing this [points to her jersey] and when they had nothing. It was really eye-opening, and made me more grateful. It was good to get knowledge out of them. 

I’m glad you had a good time down there. I guess it worked out well that Queensland had a bye last week. Back to Super W... What have your personal highlights been, playing for Queensland this year?

My own highlights… I think just getting more game time and just being around a really good bunch of girls. This year it’s been really good with the culture… I don’t have any personal highlights! Just being involved!

Congrats to you and the team on making the finals.

Thank you. 

How much are you looking forward to the play-off match against the Brumbies this Sunday?

I’m actually really excited. I was really backing them against WA, just because they have so much heart and go right to the end.

That’s a good segue way… What do you think the Brumbies strengths are, that you’ll need to keep an eye on?

I must have read your mind! (Laughs) They’re definitely a strong side. A lot of heart. Yeah.

What inspired you to play the game of rugby?

My friend actually just asked me to come down and have a run and I sort of just fell in love with it. Out of all the other sports, everyone is just really welcoming. It’s hard to find a challenge in sport, so I really love that about it.

I came from a Touch and League background, but there’s nothing like this. These girls are some of my best friends, that’s what I love most about it.

Last week Cobie-Jane said it’s important not to get too “comfortable” in rugby. What advice do you have for young boys and girls wanting to play the game?

I think, the best advice my Dad actually gave me was just to play fun. You play your best rugby when you having fun. That took a long time for me to understand, because being so competitive, I forgot to actually have fun. And when I finally relaxed and had some fun, I was playing the best rugby I’ve played.

I started in 2016 and I was just finding my feet. I got too wrapped up in making teams and stuff and I was always really hard on myself. You know how you’re always your own worst critic. It got to me too much and my Dad just said to me one day, “just relax and have fun. You always play your best footy when you have fun”. That’s always stuck! Your can’t take it too serious, enjoy it while it’s there.

“Down-time” is important... what do you like to do outside of rugby?

I get asked this a lot, and I’d say I “nap” a lot. I put that in my player profile! (Laughs) It’s the only hobby I have. I like going on hikes and stuff! But rugby makes you tired… (laughs)

Thanks Alana for taking time to catch up! I’ll be cheering you on, on Sunday!

Thanks for having me! It’s been a pleasure.

Don’t miss Queensland’s game this Sunday, against the Brumbies at Ballymore stadium, kick off is at 3pm. The winner will get a chance to play New South Wales in the Super W final, the following week.

Sitting Down with Cecilia Smith

This week I had a wonderful chat with a player who’s made a huge impact for Queensland this year. In the lead up to the 2019 season, Cecilia Smith moved from Leeton, New South Wales, to Brisbane, with hopes of making the team. She instantly made a splash, scoring two tries against the Rebels in their first game.

She’s gone on to score tries in three out of four of Queensland's games this season, including another double against the Brumbies! (See the match highlights here.)

I spoke to her about her rugby journey and even her experience in the Commonwealth Games playing for Samoa! While she’s fierce on the field, she’s lovely to talk to in person. I hope you enjoy reading our chat!

Hi Cecilia, how are you and the team going this week?

Yeah really good.

How have you enjoyed the season with Queensland so far?

It’s been really fun. It’s been a big change since coming from the Brumbies. I played for them last year, but I didn’t get a chance to play in the Super W, because I was injured. Moving up here last year, it was a challenge for me to try to get into the Reds team, because you know there’s a lot of really good players here. I had to try to work really hard to get in here, so here I am.

What’s the teams mindset in the lead up to the playoff this weekend?

I guess we’ve been working on the mistakes that we made in the last game we played against them and making everything “sharp”.

I love hearing about people’s rugby journeys. What brought you from Samoa to Australia and then what led you to play rugby in Queensland?

I moved from New Zealand, in 2009. I lived in New South Wales for 9 years until I moved up here. I was in a little country town called Leeton. I played Sevens down there. Then I decided to try out fifteens. I didn’t know the rules and that, I just decided to try out for the Brumbies in 2017, leading up to the Nationals, that was my first time playing fifteens. And then got ready for 2018, Super W… then I got injured playing League, playing in the Commonwealth Champions. I injured my shoulder in a tournament for final selection, we didn’t know what was wrong with it. I was travelling 4 hours per week to train with the Brumbies. It was hard, because either I’d have to take my daughter with me, or I’d have to leave her with my Dad or my sisters. It was pretty intense. It was tiring driving that much, so I talked to my dad and decided to move up to Brisbane to try and crack the Reds team. And here I am!

What’s your favourite thing about Queensland and being based at Ballymore?

I love the environment with the girls. It’s so enjoyable being around them. When it’s game time, that’s when it’s serious. But I like having a laugh with the girls - it’s a really good vibe around here.

You’ve had the opportunity to play Rugby League for your home country of Samoa. Can you tell us about that experience?

That was an emotional one, especially for my family. My dad’s always wanted me to pull the Samoa jersey on. When I got the chance, I figured I’d travel to Sydney for the trials. It was a 6 hour drive out there and I guess, I did enough to make it. There were girls there from Melbourne, from New Zealand, some from Brisbane as well. Yeah, it was intense!

I was injured in the tournament before the Commonwealth Games… the last try-out. It was a nerve thing. It wasn’t a serious injury, I just needed time. It didn’t hurt, but I couldn’t control my arm. I tried to play in the grand final for that tournament, but I couldn’t. Then, it healed and the Commonwealth games happened later on.

It’s crazy. I don’t even know where to start to be honest with my rugby journey. (Laughs)

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of rugby?

Spend time with my family, because I have a three year old daughter now. With my partner as well, I just love going places, like the movies. And playing something fun - like touch… But family time is everything. You’ve got to make the most of it.

What would your message be to rugby fans in Queensland, ahead of the playoff match this weekend?

To come on down and support the girls. Womens rugby is growing and it’s just getting better. It’s going to be a really good game, the Brumbies are a good side as well, we don’t take them lightly. We need the crowd to pump us up!

Thanks very much for your time!

Thank you!

Catching up with Cobie

A Conversation with World-Cup Vet Cobie-Jane Morgan

This week, I was lucky to catch up with a Wallaroo veteran, who’s recently made the move to Brisbane. A seasoned and experienced player, I enjoyed hearing her perspective on where the women’s game is at, her own rugby journey and even a highlight from the 2010 World Cup.

The Queensland team is lucky to have her around and will no doubt enjoy having her on the field for the play-off game next Sunday afternoon (31st March) at Ballymore! (It’ll either be against Western Australia or the Brumbies, depending on the outcome of this weeks games.)

During Super W finals week, I’ll be interviewing a few more players, so stay tuned!

Hey Cobie, how are you?

Good, thank you!

How do you feel the seasons gone for you and the team?

Yeah, I’m pretty happy with where we’re at at the moment. We’ve won 3 from 4, so we’re sitting in at second, just behind New South Wales. I think the level that we’re playing at is a pretty good standard and I’d never sit “comfortable”, but generally I’m happy about the feeling amongst the team and we’re training pretty hard at the moment.

As a seasoned player in the rugby community, what are your thoughts on Super W, how it’s progressed and where it can go?

Hmmm well, before last year we had the nationals every year which was a 3-4 day tournament where you had to punch out 6 games in 4 days. So it was pretty ridiculous, trying to get the best quality out of all the States sides. So Super W [beginning last year] showcased a lot of good talent, you’d play and then have a week to recover. I think the level of knowledge of the game has increased a lot, so going forward for the national level, the girls that assemble in the national side will be one level up again, in “rugby smarts”. We’ve got a young side and so over the next 5 years it will become almost semi-professional. Then in 10 years time, if we have success in womens rugby globally, there’s a big bright future ahead for all the young girls.

You were born and raised on the Central Coast of New South Wales and now you’re here in Brisbane. Can you tell us about your rugby journey and what led you here to Queensland?

My rugby journey! I moved from the Central Coast to Sydney after school and started playing rugby then. I’d played a lot of touch footy growing up and represented Australia from when I was 14 onwards… then I moved down to the Northern beaches in Sydney, after school, for university. Then I travelled to the Darwin Sevens with a whole lot of girls who were playing for Australia at the time, (who I’d also played a lot of touch with as well). That’s how I got roped into things…. That was my first Sevens tournament and I absolutely loved it. I’ve been playing touch on a global scale for a while, then I found contact and I really enjoyed it… not sure about my Mum though! (Laughs). I came back from the Sevens tournament and had got to know women who were in the Australian team at the time, you know, the likes of Tui Ormsby, Cheryl Soon who was the captain, and Alex Hargreaves who was playing for the Reds last year, she was at Sydney Uni. So I had a lot of good influences around me, just from that one tournament. I came back and they roped me into playing fifteens. I went to my first Nationals, up here on the Gold Coast and then got picked up for the Australian side. I thought that was a bit of a G-Up (laughs) because it was my first tournament! From there on, touch was going out the back door, we had to pay for ourselves. But when I started playing for Australian Rugby, everything was getting paid for, you never had to get your wallet out, so you were supported really well. I had a lot of good, strong-minded people around me and I guess that helped me in my younger years to become mentally tough. I went across to Samoa for a world-cup qualifier and then I haven’t looked back. I played one more World Cup for touch and then that was it. It’s been just rugby from “09” since. I’m in my tenth year now.

And how I ended up in Queensland… after I did my degree, took up an apprenticeship with plumbing and I considered that I have a good solid three-four years left - I wanted to push myself and see where I can go… I have a really good mate from Marsden State High who’s been on my back for the last few years and saying “come up and teach - I want you to be involved”. They sort of needed a female role model, so I said I’d finish my apprenticeship, get that ticked off and come up. I needed a change of scenery as well for rugby. Speaking with the Wallaroo’s coach, he said you never want to get comfortable where you are. If you’re sitting in a really good squad, you could easily fall into that trap, leading us into the World Cup. He said I need you to get out, play against what’s the bench mark now and it will improve your rugby. So here I am!

What’s your favourite thing about the Sunshine State?

What’s my favourite thing… What am I… 4 months in. I love warm weather! Summer’s my favourite. The first couple of weeks, I struggled training with the humidity, I felt like I was the unfittest person on the team, but I got used to it.

I love my job, I’m really happy there and I love being a part of this team. So this team and my job are my favourite things.

What’s your favourite memory of representing Australia at a World Cup?

Probably my first World Cup, where I debuted in London in 2010. It’s funny, we got “capped” after our first game. At the time, my dad he’d just got his first brain tumour. He was alright, he’d lost his marbles a little and we used to joke about it a fair bit.  He was over there, because he didn’t know how long he’d have left, so he was like “stuff it, I’m coming over to watch you”. I got my cap after our first game… and when you get capped, it’s a pretty special thing. You’re meant to put the cap away safely… and a few days later, I turn up for my second game, his memories a bit funny, I’m running out, and he’s got my cap on. I was like “oh my gosh, this is so embarrassing.” (Laughs) He’s the only person in the stand, out of all the parents and he’s got my cap on. I’ll never forget running out to a packed stadium in London, and there he is standing there with my Wallaroos cap on. (He passed away two years after that, but it’s a good memory. A funny memory.)

You’re known for playing very well in a lot of positions. What’s your favourite position to play?

I started at number 12, probably the smallest number 12 going around in the world. I used to love (and still do) running around into space, I’ve played out on the wing and that was a bit of a strange one because I’m not the quickest person… but I enjoyed it… but I’ve finally found where it best suits me on the field… I love to talk, I love to distribute the ball, I’ve got vision around the field, so halfback, definitely. I don’t know why I didn’t go there years ago, being that little commander on the field suits me to a tee. So I love playing at halfback.

Some of my readers don’t know the game very well. Can you describe the role of the halfback, in your own words?

Halfback… I guess we’re the link between our forwards and our backs. We’re the little commanders on the field. So we’re bossing everyone around, especially our forwards who are doing a lot of the damage up front. You have to be barking in their ear constantly for 80 minutes or so. You’ve got to be precise when you’re passing and make sure you’re getting clean ball out for the backs to do their thing (or the forwards)… visually, you’ve always gotta be scanning your options. On defence, it’s similar… you’re that last man. You’ve gotta be scanning and if anyone breaks that line, you have to be that cover defender. Like I said, you’re that link, the middle-man - the “middle-woman”, I should say, between the forward and the backs. 

Thanks Cobie-Jane for your time, we are all behind you this coming weekend!

Thank you for having me! I loved it. Thanks for that!

A Catch-up with the Vice-Captain: Lori Cramer

Time flies when your having fun! Half way through the regular season and after two wins and one tough loss to NSW, the Queensland Women’s XV are training hard with their eyes firmly on the prize!

To share about the journey, I had the chance to catch up this week with the teams vice-captain Lori Cramer. It was great to hear about her love for the game (and her club UQ!) I'm sure you'll love reading our chat below.

Hi Lori, thanks for making time to catch up. How are you?

I’m good! It’s been a good day. I’m looking forward to training!

I’d like all my readers to be as excited about Super W as I am. What message do you have for Queensland rugby fans about Super W?

Super W is a very exciting comp, there’s a lot of untapped talent that people haven’t seen before. People are very excited to see the women’s game. We haven’t had a lot of media exposure before and there’s a lot of exciting players to watch!

What are your thoughts on Queensland’s season so far?

We’ve had a good season so far. There’s still a long way to go which is exciting and there’s room for growth… We have a great team and there’s a really good vibe around the girls this year.

I’d love to hear about your rugby journey - I read that you grew up playing soccer and touch rugby… Is it true your only started playing in 2015?

Yes! It is 3 years I’ve been playing. I grew up playing soccer and touch like you just said… my friend asked me if I wanted to play Sevens for the Kings and Queens Cup and that’s how it started. Then they invited me to go down to play at UQ. I grew up watching more Rugby League, but I enjoy watching and playing Rugby Union now.

There’s a lot more thinking involved and lot more tactics. With soccer, you kind of just kick the ball and wait for them to make a mistake and there’s more space. Rugby is a lot more like chess really, there’s more thinking involved.

At my first training, I didn’t really understand the rules… and someone would pick the ball up and run the ball a meter and I’d be like “what are you doing - pass it”… but it makes way more sense now.

What is it that you love most about rugby culture in Queensland?

Well, being at UQ, I like that with the Men and Women’s team, there’s a lot of club activities that everyone does together. I love the way everyone interacts as a rugby community.

Also, I love in general how all body shapes are celebrated in rugby. Whether your tall, short, big or small, everyone can play. There’s a spot for everybody.

What would you say to young girls and boys thinking of playing the game?

I’d say to young girls you definitely need a good hair tie. [Laughs] Just to give it a go! Lot’s of people think “I’ve got to be fit before I do this, or I’ve got to do that…” just give it a go! That’s the best way to find out if you like it or not. But definitely get a good hair tie, that’s by main advice.

Awesome. I’m sure there’s a lot of young people out there inspired by you. Thanks to you and your team for all you do for the game. Go Queensland!

Oh cheers! Thanks for chatting to me! It’s really good to see you here.

The QLD Women’s XV take on the Brumbies this Saturday, 5pm down at Ballymore, (in-between the two men’s interstate finals featuring UQ and GPS!) Check out info about the day here.

Captains Run with Samu Kerevi

Queensland has started the year with a bang, so it's definitely about time Reds Rugby Rules kicked off for 2019! After a narrow loss to the Highlanders away in NZ and after watching the QLD Women's team throttle Melbourne 112-0, the season is off to a good start.

And who better to catch up with at the start of the year than Samu Kerevi. It'd been a while since I caught up with him officially for Reds Rugby Rules and he seemed comfortable in his new role as captain, but also humble and aware of the hard work that's ahead for him and the Reds. It was great hearing his thoughts on where his team's at, their gruelling pre-season training camp, as well as his family, faith and what drives him.

(By the way, make sure you check out my 2017 interview with him, to learn even more about the him.)

Hey Samu, awesome to see you and catch up again.

Thanks for having me.

I’m so pumped for the season ahead for the Reds. How are you feeling after your first game of Super Rugby for 2019, against the Highlanders?

Yeah, a little bit sore, always happens after the first game. But I’m really proud of the boys efforts, they played extremely well. We worked hard to get to the position we were in, but unfortunately we just missed out on key moments of the game and you can’t do that against a quality team like the Highlanders, they’ll make you pay. So hopefully we’ll make amends for it this weekend, the boys have been working extremely hard ahead of the next game.

What’s one word that sums up the training camp that you and the team went through during pre-season?

Ahh.. (Laughs). Extremely, extremely, tough. Both physically and mentally tough. But if I was to sum it up in one word, it would probably be hell.

By the way, I love the new maroon jersey. How did you feel when you wore the 2019 jersey for the first time?

I loved it as well. I think the maroon jersey is awesome for us, especially with the history it holds. It’s up to us to add to it and the legacy that Queensland has held for more than 100 years. I guess that’s the exciting part for the young men playing in the jersey now. We have a legacy to uphold and we want to put that pressure on ourselves to represent the people each weekend. I guess that’s the hardest part of it all. But again, we’re pretty blessed to be able to do what we do and go out and play footy which is the game we love and have played since we were little kids. For me personally, the maroon jersey, I never thought I’d wear it. So to be wearing it now, it’s very special and I hold it close to my heart.

Since our last official interview, you’ve bounced back from a major injury [torn bicep]. What’s something you learnt during your rehab that you’ve taken into the new season?

It was a massive challenge for me and I always looked at it as a blessing in disguise. For me, it’s just trusting God’s plan for me and especially in those times of need when you want to be out there playing on the field and you want to be fit… it gives you a backseat and a look into your life. You can put effort into other areas that you might have missed playing the game, you’re away from family a lot, so being able to put more time into family, into self-growth, and especially my relationship with God, it’s always important to me. Understanding that he’s given me a gift so being able to do that to the best of my ability was something I was able to think about.

I also thought about my families future. The thing with rugby, it’s not promised. So definitely living life to the fullest in that regard and putting my best effort into that, and obviously in rehab, working hard to be fit so I can play really well for Queensland and high honours if it comes.

How good was it putting on the green and gold last year after your recovery?

Yeah. It was a massive surprise to me. I didn’t think I’d return to the field in 2018 after that bicep tear, I thought I’d miss the whole season because of the recovery time I was given. But like I said before, part of God’s plan… I came back for that New Zealand game and was blessed to be selected and came back pretty fit thanks to the Reds and Brinley, I’ve been working hard with him. It’s always special putting on the green and gold, representing your country. Always an honour to put on that jersey.

You’ve come from Rookie through to Reds captain. What’s something that’s kept you in good stead over the years?

Um, I think my family have kept me on my feet… and kept me grounded and constantly reminding me to put my trust in God. It’s a massive part of my life and something that I haven’t alway gotten right, but I know he’s gotten me through a lot of tough times and a lot of good times as well. I’m blessed to be able to do this as a job. God’s blessed me with these talents. I’ve got to do well in everything I do. If it’s playing for the Queensland Reds, if it’s serving others through this jersey, I think that’s a massive part of staying humble. A lot of things can come through rugby. A lot of good things and a lot of bad things that the world will offer you but you gotta understand that you’re representing people, not just yourself. You’re representing your family, the Queensland people, my family back in Fiji, that’s what’s always in the back of my mind when I’m training.

When I’m training hard and it’s hurting, I know my "why" and that’s my faith, above all. And my family and all the people I represent with the jersey. That’s what’s kept me in stead since I was a rookie.

You can only go so far with talent, hard work is required. That’s something I learnt along the way and hopefully it’ll take me for years from here.

Thanks for making the time to catch up. Always a pleasure.

No thank you for having me, it’s always a pleasure to be interviewed by you brother. Hope to see you at the home games coming up!