Up against some of Australia’s best school-age rugby union girls talent, Greater Shepparton Secondary College student Fofoa Tulimafono, one of five Shepparton Bulls stars to represent their state, showed she was more than up to the grade.
Demonstrating an impressive blend of agility, speed and power, Tulimafono finished as one of the top performers in the state under-18 squad across all six matches.
For that reason, she was one of two Victorians picked in the under-18 Merit Team of the Tournament, an honour that marks her for consideration for Rugby Australia’s Global Youth 7s campaign in New Zealand later this year.
Moreover, an invitation was extended to the young gun to participate in the ACT-Brumbies GenX7s Series.
Tulimafono teamed up with Jane Sakaria (GSSC) and Imke Magro (Shepparton Christian College), with Sakaria judged Victoria’s Best Team Person after the tournament.
GSSC pair Macayan Tuaopepe and Naomi Mack contributed to Victoria’s sole win from the tournament, a 14-12 win over Queensland on day two.
Tuaopepe was the recipient of the Brian Peace Award, bestowed upon the person considered the “players’ player”.
It rounded out a historic showing from the Shepparton Bulls representatives, who also saw club youngsters Kai Henry and Laurenson Silaga compete for the Melbourne Brothers Rugby Academy in Brisbane.
“It was a great honour and privilege to see young Victorian women take on such a sport and watch their skills and natural abilities come to life at a national tournament of such a calibre,” Shepparton and Rugby Victoria under-18 team manager Mellisa Silaga said.
“What an opportunity it was to take not four, but in the end five young women to represent the state in Rugby Union Sevens.
“All are hungry to improve and come back stronger next year.”
Across the rugby divide, the Shepparton Eagles have also been active with the Steeden in the league representative cauldron.
Nyeisha Lammon and Lainey Sutton journeyed out to Glenrowan Reserve in a Country v City rugby showcase, the second time the Eagles duo has represented the side.
Country came out on top, 30-4.
