Uni-North Owls honours its greats, including (from left to right): Lydia Kavoa, Georgia O’Neill, Iris Verebalavu, Tania Naden, Emerena Marsh-Aviga, Ash Fernandez, and Faitala Moleka. Photo: Supplied.
The unveiling of an honour board at a football club probably doesn’t attract too much attention outside the confines of the club itself.
But there are exceptions, especially when it comes to the recognition of women who, for many, have been pioneers, paving the way for others to achieve similar success in their chosen sports.
The Uni-Norths Owls have long been seen as one of the benchmark clubs in ACT Rugby Union when it comes to women’s rugby.
To this end, the club is unveiling an honour board recognising 14 Owls female players who have represented their countries on the international stage – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.
The criterion for selection on the honour board was simple: the players had to have played with the Owls before going on to represent their country.
Iris Verebalavu with the Uni North Owls Honour Board. Photo: Supplied.
It’s an impressive list starting with former Wallaroos captain Ashleigh Hewson, who played in three World Cups, and concluding with Ashley Fernandez, who made her Australian debut earlier this year.
Also included alongside Hewson and Fernandez are Siokapesi Palu and Grace Hamilton who have captained the Wallaroos.
Siokapesi believes that the traits she learned early in her career at the Owls laid the foundation for her success.
“Grassroots rugby is where the soul of the game lives, and for me, the Owls have been that foundation. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible coaches who believed in me, the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and the club community that has always felt like family,” Siokapesi says.
“Every time I take the field at the highest level, I carry the spirit of the Owls with me. The club has given me more than just rugby, it’s given me a sense of belonging, belief and a lifelong love of the game.”
Grace Hamilton was equally positive about her experience with the Owls as a junior player.
“My time at Uni Norths was hands down some of the best times I’ve had at a club, on and off the field. I’m grateful for my time there, as a young inside centre. Branches [Peter Bradley, a club legend] was the first person to put me in the backrow and I never looked back.”
Grace says of Peter Bradley and the Owls, “He kick-started my rugby journey, and being an Owl will always hold such a special place in my heart.”
There are more on the honour board who have paid tribute to the Owls culture, which ensured not only success but a continuing love of the game.
Georgia O’Neill came through the Canberra school system before joining the Owls and making her Wallaroos debut in 2018.
“I played my first Owls game at 17 when I was just out of college,” Georgia explains.
“The Owls laid the foundation for my rugby career, providing rigorous training and a supportive environment. This led me to represent the Brumbies, fulfilling my dream, and even compete internationally with the Wallaroos in 2018.”
Georgia says, “I’m thankful for all my teammates and coaches over the last ten years. Uni North Owls will always be my family.”
Tania Naden believes the camaraderie throughout the entire club created a culture for success.
“I am honestly so proud to be an Owl. It’s the club that made me fall in love with rugby. I was welcomed with open arms back in 2017 and just loved the camaraderie of the club. It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in, whether you are in the men’s or women’s teams, you’re an Owl, and that’s all that matters. I have been supported from the start. Even through tough injuries, like when I did my ACL, the Owls were with me all the way, and I’ll never forget that.”
And Tania remembers clearly her greatest moment in the sport.
“Of my rugby career, my proudest rugby moment or memory was winning the 2023 grand final against the Viqueens. There are many international milestones up there too, but the grand final win with the Owls is still my number one.”
The inaugural Uni-Norths Owls women’s rugby honour board includes Ashleigh Hewson, Merena Marsh-Aviga, Charlene Gubb, Grace Hamilton, Georgia O’Neill, Siokapesi Palu, Tania Naden, Talei Qalo Wilson, Anasimeci Korovata, Iris Verebalavu, Faitala Moleka, Fapiola Uoifalelahi, Lydia Kavoa and Ashley Fernandez.
The testimonials from current and former players indicate the culture created by the Uni-Norths Owls, with optimism that the recognition of high achievers among alumnae will significantly expand beyond the 14 names currently occupying the honour board.
