Force sign Wanneroo centre & RugbyWA pathway talent Monk

Thu, Dec 12, 2024, 11:45 PM
BS
by Ben Somerford

The Western Force are thrilled to announce the signing of Wanneroo junior Ngamihi Monk who has graduated through the RugbyWA pathway into the squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season.

Wanneroo centre Monk, 18, has been part of RugbyWA’s Performance Academy and starred locally in the Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade, including scoring a try in the Divaz’ 41-22 semi-final win over Wests Scarborough.

The teenager was Wanneroo’s Premier Grade vice-captain this year as they went on to win the premiership in early September, beating Palmyra 20-8 in the grand final.

After that, she earned selection for the Force’s Japan Tour in October and November following a strong training block. Monk started all three games in Japan and impressed.

This week, Monk will fly out with the RugbyWA Under-18 Girls squad to New South Wales to take on sides from NSW Junior Rugby Union and NSWJRU Pasifika.

Force women’s head coach Dylan Parsons said: “I saw Ngamihi first in the RugbyWA Performance Academy.

“I’ve been impressed every time I’ve watched her train or play, as she never gets overwhelmed by any situation she goes into. It doesn’t matter how much of a step-up it is.

“For her to come into our Kaizen training group sessions and get some experience, then come into the Japan series training block and be rewarded with a spot on the tour, it shows she’s performed at every step that we’ve thrown at her.”

Parsons added that Monk had huge potential and was a great example of the work going on within the WA rugby system to develop the next generation of talent.

“She’s got huge potential as one of our local girls but also as part of the Wallaroos squad for the 2029 World Cup,” Parsons said.

“We want to invest in that younger generation to get them in a position for a huge opportunity like that.”

The Force Super W season commences on Saturday 1 March against the ACT Brumbies at HBF Park.

2025 Western Force women’s squad

Georgia Cormick, Rosie Ebbage, Grace Freeman, Sheree Hume, Tamika Jones, Nicole Ledington, Michaela Leonard, Loretta Mailangi, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Ngamihi Monk, Sera Naiqama, Alapeta Ngauamo, Hannah Palelei, Trilleen Pomare, Allana Sikimeti, Cecilia Smith, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce, Braxton Walker, Samantha Wood

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