Four Ipswich Jets players have been named in the Queensland Under 19 Emerging Women’s squad, which will assemble on the Gold Coast this weekend for a training camp.
A total of 24 players were selected as head coach Maia Tua-Davidson continues preparations for the Under 19 State of Origin clash against New South Wales, set to take place at Sunshine Coast Stadium on June 19.
The squad features a number of standout players from the recent Harvey Norman Under 19 competition, with selectors also welcoming back three Queensland-eligible players.
Among those chosen are four rising stars from the Ipswich Jets: Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa, Shalom Sauaso, Mercedez Taulelei-Siala and Pauline To’o.
Shalom Sauaso is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most gifted young athletes and a cross-code talent.
At just 17, she captained the Australian Schoolgirls Sevens team during their international tour last year after debuting for them the year prior.
A student at Ipswich State High, Sauaso has already built an impressive resume, which includes selections for Queensland and Australian Schoolgirls in both rugby sevens and rugby league, a stint with the Queensland Reds, and inclusion in the Wallaroos squad.
She signed a professional contract with the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team on her 17th birthday.
Despite her shift to rugby league, her passion for rugby union remains strong.
Ella-Jaye Harrison-Leaunoa, a talented five-eighth, had a breakout year two seasons ago when she helped lead the Goodna Eagles to a Holcim Cup grand final victory.
She has continued her rise, representing the Ipswich Jets in the Under 19s and showcasing her skills as a product of the powerhouse Ipswich State High School rugby league program.
Last year, she also made her international debut for the Samoan national team in a win over the Papua New Guinea Orchids.
Mercedez Taulelei-Siala, an 18-year-old centre and product of the Goodna Eagles, made her Queensland Under 19 debut last year. She also featured in one game for the Tweed Seagulls during the 2024 season, where she impressed with a try assist, 10 tackles, and 122 run metres in her debut against Wynnum Manly.
Pauline To’o, also representing the Ipswich Jets, joins this talented group in the Emerging squad, further reinforcing Ipswich’s growing reputation as a nursery for elite women’s rugby league talent.
