The Wallsend Wolves are still revelling in the success of a massive representative season.
The club’s men’s open B and 40 women’s teams claimed titles at the esteemed NSW Touch State Cup, at Port Macquarie, late last year while 10 members of the association enjoyed further glory at the 2020 State of Origin series at Coffs Harbour in June.
All of them – from assistant coach Natalie Little (40 women’s) and manager Joseph Caruso (20 men’s) to players Heemi McGarvey (60 men’s), Geoff Power (60 men’s), Zoe Parish (40 women’s), Kelly Nicholas (40s women’s), Amanda Hollis (40 women’s), Nicole Grose (40 women’s), Michelle Botham (40 women’s) and Kellie Johnston (40 women’s) – played a pivotal role in NSW accounting for Queensland 9-6 overall at the C.ex International Stadium.
The triumph also allowed NSW to retain the shield, after COVID-19 forced the event to be held in 2021.
McGarvey and Power’s 60 men’s prevailed 2-1 to clinch the title in that age division, while Parish, Nicholas, Hollis, Grose, Botham and Johnston piloted the 40 women’s to upset Queensland for the first time in State of Origin history.
The ladies secured 3-0 and 5-3 victories before dropping the final hit-out 2-1.
“Winning the State Cup was a really good outcome for Wallsend,” Johnston said.
“To then have some of those girls selected in the NSW squad for the State of Origin was even better.
“Even though we’re between seasons now, we’ve been fortunate to enjoy good success over the past 12 months.”
The pinnacle, however, was beating Queensland – and etching their names in the record books.
“It was an amazing feeling to take that out,” Johnston said.
“As a New South Welshman/woman, you never want Queensland to win anything.
“So, we were really passionate about leading the Blues to victory.
“It was a great experience to claim that division.
“NSW had never captured the 40 women’s crown before.
“I think that age group was introduced about four series ago.
“So, since the State of Origin is contested every 24 months, it’s been eight years of Queensland dominance in this prestigious tournament.
“To know we were the first NSW team to end their undefeated run is pretty special.
“The only disappointment was losing the last match,” she added with a laugh.
“However, we’ll still take the [series] win.”
The Wolves will soon turn their attention to club touch, with the spring competitions starting up again in August for seniors and juniors.
2020 State of Origin results:
Men’s Open – Qld won 3-0
Player of the series: Harry Griffin
Women’s Open – Qld won 2-1
Player of the series: Lucia Fildes
Mixed Open – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Daniel Stone
Senior Mixed – Qld won 2-1
Player of the series: Daniel Withers
Men’s 20 – Qld won 2-1
Player of the series: James Hegedus
Women’s 20 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Kiahla Duff
Women’s 27 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Rebecca Beath
Men’s 30 – NSW won 3-0
Player of the series: Scott Buckley
Men’s 35 – Qld won 3-0
Player of the series: Khanui Cox
Women’s 35 – Qld won 3-0
Player of the series: Bo De La Cruz
Men’s 40 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Adam Fahim
Women’s 40 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Rachelle Darcy
Men’s 45 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Tony Eltakchi
Women’s 45’s – NSW won 3-0
Player of the series: Johanne Joe
Men’s 50 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Mark Leonard
Men’s 55 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: David Cheung
Men’s 60 – NSW won 2-1
Player of the series: Gordon Parish
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
For more sports stories:
