Tomorrow sees the BMTA Mustangs take the field in Coffs Harbour for our inaugural The Championships (NTL) campaign. Our 4 teams will be mixing it with the best players from across the country, read on as we preview each side:

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Women’s Open A

The BMTA Mustangs Women’s Open A is an incredibly talented squad who will be looking to make a splash in the Premier Women’s division. With the majority of the team having played in the BMTA Junior Mustangs program for many years, we are so excited to have the girls represent the Mustangs on the National stage.

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With experienced coaches David Crase and Levi Te Namu at the helm, expect the team to bring the usual BMTA style of fast, strong rucking and fierce competitiveness. Some key players to watch for include Meg Muir, who is back in BMTA colours after stepping away from the sport to travel for the last year, expect her to be a key feature in attack. Look for the experience of Jenna Rowsell and Kat Stevens to help direct the team around the park. The Nikola sisters will also be ones to watch for, especially young gun Charli who was dominant in the Under 20s division last year.

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Our Women’s Open are straight into the thick of it on Day 1 with their first match against division heavyweights Sydney Scorpions which can be seen on the Kayo Sports livestream from 9:40am. They feature again on the livestream at 1:40pm in a critical match up with ACT. Day 2 starts with another important match up against the SRN Rebels before their final round game which will be livestreamed at 5:10pm vs the SWQ Swans.

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Our girls need a top 4 finish in their 6 team division to earn a finals berth, with a well-rounded squad and a point to prove in BMTA’s inaugural year, we are super excited to see what our girls can achieve.

 

Women’s 20s  

The BMTA Mustangs Women’s 20s is a very exciting group of up and coming players, with most of the side recently being named in the BMTA Junior Mustangs Under 16 and 18 Girls teams heading to Junior State Cup in 2024. This young squad is not to be underestimated, with most players also part of the Mustangs Under 16 and 18 Red sides who took out the Junior State Cup in 2023.

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Led by experienced Head Coach Leeanne Bauer, expect this team to put in genuine team performances with most of the squad having played together for many years. Some key combinations to watch include Audrey Rayfield, Charlotte Richardson and Ella Denny who regularly combine for Southern Storm at Metro Cup and All Hallows in Junior Girls. Look for the experience of Charlotte Greaney and Madison Tonkin-Jones to help lead the young side around the park. Expect young guns Matilda Rogers, Milli Watson and Bella Nasalio to also feature heavily in attack.

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Needing a top 4 finish in their 7 team pool to qualify for finals, key games to watch include a Day 1, Game 1 match up against the Hunter Western Hornets. A well timed bye in the 4th round late on Day 1 will also ensure the girls are well rested for a couple of important matchups against CQ Bulls and SWQ Swans on Day 2.

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Having tasted success in the Junior Mustangs program at JSC in 2023, we can’t wait to see what this group can do on the National stage this weekend, best of luck girls, we know you’ll do us proud!

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Women’s 27s

The BMTA Mustangs Women’s 27s boast an extremely talented and experienced squad, most of whom are no strangers to playing on the National stage. With a number of the girls coming straight from the BMTA 27s side who made a splash at the 2023 Queensland State Cup, expect this side to shine in Coffs Harbour.

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The side boasts an extremely balanced squad, some of the key players to watch for include Jade Deaves with her speed and agility in attack. Look for Pia Galon, who returns to the field after an extended stint on the sidelines with injury, to help lead the team around the park.

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With only 4 teams competing in the division, all sides will be going through to Semi Finals but with seeding all important to earn an easier path to the GF, it will be an important first up match against the SRN Rebels for the girls.

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Many of our 27s girls have been long time players at BMTA and we can’t wait to see what they can do in a Mustangs uniform at The Championships, go well girls!

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Mixed Open A

The BMTA Mustangs Mixed Open will be an exciting team to watch with plenty of attacking flair from a group who have played plenty of footy together. With a huge number of teams competing in the Mixed Open, including a number of affiliates for the first time, this will be one of the most interesting divisions at the event.

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Some of the players to watch include Khanui Cox, Jake Hooper, Kaya Raupita-Kihi and De-Shaun Lifu-Bray who will bring plenty of footwork and long balls on the offensive end. Also look for the experience of Eliza Blanch and Ella McCall to anchor the team in defense.

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In a big division, there are no shortage of important games, with a top 4 finish required to earn a finals berth. Games to watch include a Day 1, Game 1 livestreamed match vs Hornets at 9am and an important day 2 match up against fellow affiliate Coolum at 10:20am. Good luck team, we know you’ll do us proud!

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Stay Up to Date

The best way to stay up to date with all things BMTA Mustangs at this years, The Championships, is to follow the BMTA Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for our daily coverage of each of our teams.  

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#ONEHERD