Sport
15 November, 2023
Ciesiolka signs with Clydesdales
Oakey’s Maroon and Brisbane Bronco Shenae Ciesiolka will play rugby league on the Darling Downs for the first time since she was an Oakey Bears junior... and she’s bringing a Queensland rugby league legend with her.
Shenae was one of the major signings for the new Western Clydesdales team to compete in the BMD Queensland Women’s Premiership next year.
“It’s a great club,” she said.
“As a local girl myself, it’s an opportunity to grow the game."
The decision will allow Shenae to complete the last two subjects of her Bachelor of Education (majoring in PhysEd) at UniSQ, and have her friends and family watch her in action in Toowoomba.
A conversation with friend and rugby league great Ali Brigginshaw also convinced the Ipswich-born and bred superstar to make the trip up the range.
“She’s one of my mates. We’ve played together at (Brisbane clubs) Valleys, Easts and Norths so I told her ‘I think it’s time for you to drive up the range’,” Shenae said.
“We’ve also got Gatton’s Tara (Reinke) and Jessikah Reeves from the Cowboys.”
Shenae said media noise surrounding leaked emails from the Australian Rugby League Commission indicating their displeasure with the QRL for admitting the Clydesdales into the competition, had been noted by the players, but that they had confidence in the board to deal with the situation.
“We’re just doing the best to rally together and support the club,” she said.
The Western Clydesdales were admitted as part of an expanded BMD Women’s Premiership this season and will be looking to take it up to the best in the competition.
“I think Burleigh (Bears) will be a challenge,” she said.
“They stick together and will be ones to watch.”
Shenae hopes to do some supply teaching after she completes her Education degree.
“I’d love to help the kids and give back,” she said.
“What better way than to do something I love.”
