LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Pioneering women's rugby league player Jenni-Sue Hoepper is set to lead her Northern Pride team in their inaugural BMD Premiership game, marking a significant moment in the sport.
According to nrl.com.au, the Pride, based in Cairns and affiliated with the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRLW competition, will be one of two new clubs making their debut in Queensland's statewide competition this year, joining the Ipswich Jets and bringing the total number of teams to 12.
"This year, for the first time, the competition has been scheduled to run alongside the NRLW competition," which kicks off next month.
This alignment brings the QRL in line with the NSWRL, which implemented a similar change last year.
The Northern Pride will start the 2025 BMD Premiership season today (Saturday, June 14) with a match against the Tigers at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane at 12:40 PM.
Hoepper has been chosen to lead the new team due to her extensive experience in the sport.
She has represented her Torres Strait Islander heritage in the Women's Indigenous All Stars team, the PNG Orchids, the Australian Jillaroos, and the Queensland Women during the period preceding the establishment of State of Origin.
Her leadership and experience are seen as pivotal as the Pride embarks on their new journey in the league.