Bowen State High School graduate and Whitsunday Brahmans junior player Shaniah Power has signed a two-year deal to join the inaugural North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW side.
Power scored “the biggest try in the history of women’s rugby league in North Queensland,” crossing the line last-minute in the grand final victory for the Gold Stars last season -- and now she’s ensured her part in the next major milestone for the female game in her home region.
Power said that as soon as the Cowboys knew they would be joining the NRLW, she’s been in their thoughts.
“We’ve been talking about it for a very long time,” Power said.
“But the moment I actually put pen to paper with my favourite club was a dream come true, it was quite surreal.”
The 26-year-old second rower has featured for the Warriors, Titans and Roosters across three NRLW seasons, scoring six tries in 13 games, she’s no stranger to this level footy.
Bowen-born, she began playing her junior rugby league for the Whitsunday Brahmans and has been part of the Cowboys Women’s Academy since its inception in 2019.
“I didn’t think it was possible I would ever sign for the Cowboys,” she said.
“I never even thought it was a possibility three years ago to play professional women’s rugby when I got picked up for the Warriors.
“For girls in the regions, I think my signing gives them hope that they can achieve that goal if they work hard enough for it. But they have to work hard; you have to make bigger sacrifices than someone living down in Brisbane.”
For Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries, Power was a perfect choice with her resume, which includes representing Queensland at State of Origin level in 2020 and 2021 and the Indigenous All Stars on four occasions.
“Shaniah has very good football instincts, possesses good footwork and can find space consistently,” Jeffries said.
“Her form this season has been outstanding. As it stands after four rounds of the BMD QRLW competition, Shaniah leads the points tally for the Steph Hancock BMD Premiership Player of the Year.
“Shaniah loves being amongst the community in promoting the game and as a North Queenslander, she will be a pivotal player within the leadership group who sets the standards for our inaugural season.”
Bowen-born rugby star Shaniah Power has signed for the inaugural North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRLW side
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