THE new Beerwah Bulldogs open women’s side coach is bringing 20 years of local and international experience with her as she looks to inspire the team to new heights in 2023.
Former Great Britain player Becky Jones has taken the reins for the upcoming season and with training now underway is getting down to business to understand each player’s strengths.
Becky said she hopes she can bring out the best in the girls come next season, to develop them into better players and to get them further in the finals next year.
“I want the girls doing the small things right, staying in the game, keeping hold of the ball and put ourselves in a good position on the field so we can put ourselves within the try line,” she said.
“I’m excited, obviously it’s a challenge but it’s one that I am looking forward to.”
New Beerwah Bulldogs President Stephen ‘Ref’ Hammil said he was keen to see Becky’s positive influence on the team alongside the assistance of ex-women’s coach Rod Kerr.
“I’m looking forward to working with her for the season, I think she’s going to bring a lot to the club, and development wise we’ve got the same ideas,” he said.
Becky was recruited into the Australian system while touring with Great Britain a few years ago.
Asked to stay and play in Australia Becky was all too happy to oblige.
“From there I stayed in Australia and played in Canberra, then went to Toowoomba and from there through the Brisbane clubs and played a bit of rep footy as well,” she said.
Becky’s credentials include playing at the World Cup as well as for Queensland. She also played in the A-grade women’s SEQ comp, winning titles with Toowoomba Fillies, Brothers Ipswich and South Logan Magpies.
“I stopped playing a few years ago now when I had my little boy, but I came over here about 20 years ago and I’ve been involved in football on and off ever since,” she said.
Becky has also coached various teams in Great Britain and in Australia.
“I coached the u16s rep in the UK, a few years in SEQ for u16s where we successfully won a couple of years,” she said.
“My last coaching role was as a co-coach for Brothers Ipswich in the A Grade Women’s SEQ Comp. We narrowly missed out on finals in the first year.”