Tim Hawke is one very happy rugby league coach.
That’s because his under 16 girls Campbelltown Collegians rugby league side have swept all before them this season.
But there’s one more game before they can really celebrate.
This Sunday the Collies girls will run out on the iconic Campbelltown Sports ground to play in the 2019 grand final of the NSWRL Under 16s South Western Combined Gold Division against St Christopher’s.
But win, lose or draw Tim Hawke is already one satisfied coach who believes the popularity of female rugby league is on the way up.
“I have been coaching for 10 years and I have never seen players put their body on the line like these girls,’’ says Tim.
“These girls have been unbelievable this year playing sides all across Sydney.
“They have picked up the skills so quickly these girls are a pleasure to coach,’’ he said.
The combined competition is played across several districts around the Sydney metro area, including Cronulla, Bankstown, Liverpool and Arncliffe.
The Collegians U16s have had a superlative year, winning 14 out of 14 matches so far to head into the big decider undefeated this season.
“Our club has also had many girls representing Wests Tigers this year in Tarsha Gale and Lisa Fiola Cup competitions,’’ says the coach.
Last year the girls were runners up so the Collegians club fielded two girls sides this year, a 16s and an 18s.
“Both teams were the best sides in the western suburbs district,’’ Tim said.
“The 18s just got knocked out 18-16 to Parra juniors in the semi final.’’
Tim Hawke is confident that with such wonderful results the club is looking at having four female teams next year, adding a 14s and an opens side
“The way the female game is growing it won’t be long until they are matching it with the boys in numbers,’’ he says.
Grand final kick off will be 12.20pm.
