Players to Watch at The Championships: Women's 20s

Resurrected in 2022, the Women’s 20s division provides young athletes the opportunity to announce themselves on the national Touch Football stage. With so many emerging stars ready to compete, here are just a few of the key players to watch at The Championships this weekend. 

Lilla Pratt – Central Queensland Bulls 

A star on the rise, Lilla Pratt continues to establish herself in the Touch Football world. With quick feet, the young Australian representative is always a danger for opposition close to the line, with a sharp step to her game. A well-rounded player, the Queensland middle is also a tenacious defender, making her an asset on both ends of the field. 

Captaining Queensland Secondary Schools Touch (QSST) at last year’s DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC), Lilla proved herself to be one of the hardest working players in her age group, leading by example throughout a dominant campaign. With plenty of big game experience already under her wing, look to Lilla Pratt to be a key figure at both ends of the field this weekend.   

Tiani Smith – Sydney Scorpions 

An all-round player, Tiani Smith can control her team's attack anywhere on the park. Whether it’s making strong drives up the field or putting tries on a silver platter, expect the Manly Link to play a pivotal role in this Scorpions side on both ends of the field. 

Watch out for her long passing, with the 2023 NSW Combined High Schools (NSWCHS) captain possessing excellent vision, especially from dummy half. Tiani is expected to lead by example in Coffs Harbour, with her defensive work rate commendable. 

Summer Anderson – Southern Rebels

Carving up across the park, try scoring machine Summer Anderson is ready to take the next step this March in Coffs Harbour. The young Taren Point representative showcased her exceptional finishing ability at last year’s NYC, by scoring 16 tries. 

Highly prolific on the wing last year, Summer is no stranger to playing in the middle of the park either, with her efforts for the Taren Point Sharks at Vawdon Cup, evidence of her strong running game. Through terrific speed and great positioning, Summer Anderson will be essential to the Rebels’ attack this March. 

Caitlin Prestwidge – West South West Suns 

The Australian Women’s 20s representative is set for an exciting campaign alongside her sisters Rebecca and Hailey, as the trio eye national glory this weekend. The Orange Touch representative is already a highly skilled player on attack, with an extensive understanding of the game. 

Her game management will be key to how this side operates, as she continues to gain invaluable big-game experience. Look to Caitlin to be a key navigator of her sides’ attack this weekend.  

Oceiana Graham – UQ Rebels 

An incredibly hard worker, Oceiana Graham continues to rise through the Queensland ranks. With great vision on attack, the UQ Rebels player has shown outstanding playmaking ability that defies her years. Possessing the insight to put her teammates into open space, she is also no stranger to crossing the try line herself. 

A strong long ball to her game and the confidence to trust her instincts, Oceiana’s passing range is only improving with each game she plays. With experience playing at middle and link, the Queenslander will be looking to further develop her game on the national stage as the UQ Rebels make the trip to Coffs Harbour for the first time ever.