NAIDOC Round saw rugby return with a bang, following a week off in celebration of the British & Irish Lions.
NAIDOC Round provides the opportunity to celebrate the longest living continuous culture on earth – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With NAIDOC Week commencing on Sunday, July 7, 2025, NAIDOC Round is an acknowledgement of the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people, and their continuous contribution to our sport and our nation.
RugbyWA would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we operate, and pays our respects to Elders Past, Present and Future, and stand with all First Nations Australians on the journey towards reconciliation. RugbyWA is located on Noongar land, and has affiliated clubs across Whadjuk, Pinjarup, Wardandi, Bibbulman, Minang, Kaniyang, Wugjari, Amangu and Wangkathaa lands.
It was a weekend of big score differentials across the board in the Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade, with dominant performances from Kalamunda Kweenz, Wanneroo Divaz and the Cottesloe Shegulls.
The Wanneroo Divaz pulled their usual shenanigans with a 52-0 victory over UWA, proving they are still the team to beat in the Premier Grade competition as they earn their seventh straight win. Big performances were put on by Harmony Tuapola and Ocean Tuhua, both putting two tries past the line for the side. Tries for Wanneroo were scored by Ngamihi Monk, Ai Dickson, Sofaia Talemaira, Taylor Waterson, Frieda Ah-Sam, Mahina A Rangi Clair, Tuapola and Tuhua, with Ai Dickson also completing one conversion.
Across town at Kalamunda, the Kweenz put on a dominant performance against Palmyra, streamed live on Stan. With a 38-0 victory, the side secured their fourth win of the season to push them up to second position on the competition ladder. Western Force’s Braxton Walker was a force to be reckoned with in the match up, scoring two tries in the first 15 minutes, before completing the final conversion of the game in a show of incredible talent and force. Tries for Kalamunda were scored by Walker (6’, 11’), Amelia Murray (35’), Zakiya Kereopa (42’), Nicole Ledingotn (53’) and Ariana Ruru-Hinaki (69’), with Ledingotn completing three conversions (7’, 12’, 43’) and Walker completing one conversion (70’).
Down south at Success Regional Sporting Facility, Cottesloe Shegulls secured a win away from home. In a high intensity match, the Shegulls’ consistency saw them cross the line six times, with Georgia Cormick securing all but one conversion, in an impressive display of kicking accuracy. A strong team performance saw the Shegulls defeat the Lionesses 0-40, their third victory of the 2025 season. For Cottesloe, tries were scored by Cormick, alongside Tabitha Cleary, Langley Sesega, Jessica Harvie, Bri Wallace and Amanda Thomas, with Cormick completing five conversions.
The Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade returns for Round 9 next week, with a Grand Final replay, and tough match ups.
Fortescue Women’s Premier Grade NAIDOC Round Results
Wanneroo Divaz (52) d. UWA (0)
Southern Lions (0) l. Cottesloe Shegulls (40)
Kalamunda Kweenz (38) d. Palmyra (0)
