Queensland forward Keilee Joseph will forever be grateful for the support of her junior club, who are set to be recognised for their ongoing commitment to the growth of women's rugby league.
An MCL injury means the Maroons forward will be forced to join the crowd at Suncorp Stadium for the series opener, but she'll be joined by an extended team of supporters in the crowd as up-and-coming players from the Waterford Demons enjoy VIP treatment at the Chemist Warehouse Deck as a thank you for their support of women's rugby league.
“They were my first club I've ever played for, I went through all my juniors through there, and they are the biggest supporters of girls in rugby league,” Joseph said.
“When I got that player of the match award last year, that donation went to them.
“I'm really glad and happy to see them able to support all the women on game day.
“That would be so good to see the girls from the club there. Their support has been huge and they have really supported me through my pathway.
“The club have got photos up of me in the club, so it'll be really good to see them on game day and hopefully I get to go have a chat with them.”
The Demons were selected for the prize in conjunction with Queensland Rugby League staff and the local Rugby League Brisbane administration and development staff.
"Waterford have been selected based on their longtime and ongoing support of female participation in the community rugby league space, in particular in the Rugby League Brisbane competition," Sarah Walker – Game Development State Manager of Queensland, WA and NT said.
"They're one of 12-female endorsed clubs across Rugby League Brisbane, which means they're endorsed to facilitate female teams from that under 13 age group when girls play in their own competition right through to open women's."
Waterford have more than 200 female participants registered for 2024 (up 20% from 2023) and they make up over 40% of the total registrations of the club. Fielding sides in each division, they’re looking to grow more in 2024 and field two open women’s teams in the premier and reserve grade competition.
While Joseph played with the Demons from the age of 11 to 17, the whole Joseph family has also been a big part of the club, with sister Shaylee – who has been selected in the Queensland Under 19 Emerging squad – also playing juniors. Their parents have worked with the club on the committee and coaching.
“I started playing because I was watching my older brother, play,” Joseph said.
“I did nearly 10 years there. Shaylee too has been really good, I'm glad that she got the opportunity to make the 19s.
“Hopefully she'll be in the Queensland Women's team with me one day.
“My mum, she's on the committee for Waterford Demons, she's been on it for years and my dad used to coach as well.
“So, my family are all pretty much around the footy there and they're the biggest supporters I've had. I'm really grateful for them.”
Joseph – who was ruled out of the opening match of the three-game Origin series with a Grade 3 MCL strain – has remained in camp with the side to assist with her recovery and was hopeful of making a return later in the three-game series.
“I'm so heartbroken that I can't play this first game, but I know I have got time to come back and make the comeback for Game Two, so I'm not going to rush it.
“We have got the end goal to play the rest of the season out, and I don't want to risk doing anything to harm that.
“I'm really glad that we have got three Origin games.
“It gives me and other girls opportunities to come back from injuries.”
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