The McAuley College and Emmaus College Open Girls rugby league team has capped a breakthrough season by qualifying for the 2026 Karyn Murphy Cup SEQ Quad Series after finishing runners-up in the Titans Challenge.
The combined side fell 24-4 to Bellbird State Secondary College in the Titans Challenge grand final at Bill Norris Oval on July 21, but coach Kiara Olivares said the result did little to diminish what the group had achieved throughout the year.
“I’m incredibly proud of the girls,” she said.
“While the result wasn’t what we were hoping for, they never stopped competing and represented McAuley College with so much pride, determination and resilience.
“Bellbird were an outstanding side, and the girls matched their intensity for long periods, particularly in the first half where it was only 6-4.
“To compete so strongly against a team that also went on to win the 2026 Brisbane Schoolgirls Cup shows just how far this group has come.”
The Titans Challenge campaign followed another strong performance earlier this season, with the team winning three of its five matches to finish fifth in Division 2 at the Confraternity carnival, a rugby league competition for Catholic and independent schools.
Olivares said the growth of the relatively new girls rugby league program had been one of the season’s biggest highlights.
“This season has been nothing short of remarkable,” she said.
“The girls have continued to improve every week, not only in their skills and game understanding, but also in the way they support one another and play as a team.
“What has made me most proud isn’t just the wins or the results. It’s seeing the girls grow in confidence, step into leadership roles, overcome setbacks and continue to back each other no matter the score.”
The team now turns its focus to the Karyn Murphy Cup SEQ Quad Series on August 13 where they will represent the Gold Coast region.
The gala day will feature the top school from each Southeast Queensland region, including the Gold Coast, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan West and Metropolitan East.
“To qualify for a competition like this is a huge achievement and a real credit to the hard work and commitment the girls have shown all season,” Olivares said.
“It’s another fantastic opportunity for them to challenge themselves against some of the best schoolgirl rugby league teams in Southeast Queensland.”
