HERVEY Bay is producing many sports stars reaching national level and now the region will have five local school girls representing our country in rugby league later this year.

The five Hervey Bay High School girls have been invited to play for the Australian Wanderers Junior Ruby Squad that will play in the United Kingdom and France later this year.

Denna Budby, Shakina Godbee, Izzy Shorter, Mackenzie Pitchford and Layla Simpson have all been selected as part of a squad that will play other schools and clubs as well as receive elite level coaching.

The girls were identified at last year’s school girls state championships in Gladstone representing Wide Bay and more recently played at a Gold Coast carnival.

The competitions they have performed well at are some of the best 15-16 year old girls in Queensland. Women’s Rugby League continues to grow as a sport and these carnivals attract 50-60 scouts from across Australia that are in search of future stars of the game.

Deena’s mum, Tatum Budby, says it’s a real thrill for all of the girls to be selected. “They are very excited about their selection and now getting the opportunity to go overseas.

They have been very busy with fundraising activities to raise money for the trip.”

The cost for them to be part of the touring team is over $6,000 each but they have already received great support from supportive organisations such as Hervey Bay RSL and the Community Bank Hervey Bay. 

“This town has been fantastic in their support with businesses coming forward with donations”, says Denna’s Mum. 

Hervey Bay can be very proud to have five representatives in a Australian team.