Players to Watch at The Championships: Women's Open

Thirteen teams are set to compete in the Women’s Open A division this year at The Championships. With various stars ready to set the fields alight this weekend, here are five names to watch out for. 

Hannah Dyball – Sydney Scorpions

2023 Louise Winchester Medallist Hannah Dyball is set for another major year in Touch Football as she aims to add another national title to her already stacked trophy cabinet. A natural talent and valiant leader on the field, the Manly representative will once again be a key influence on the playing style of this stacked Scorpions side. 

With one of the best steps in the game, there are few in the sport who can match Hannah’s running game. Her footwork is just as effective from dummy half, proving very difficult to catch once in open space. 27 tries in 40 appearances for Australia is a clear enough proof of the middle's attacking talent.  

Keesha Kapea – ACT Raiders

Donning the ACT green for the fifth time at Women’s Opens level, Keesha Kapea is an exceptional ball runner and will be a key weapon on attack for the Raiders. The Canberra link has incredible speed, and fast footwork to match. 

Agile in the middle of the park, you can back Keesha in a one-on-one situation, as she can open the game with the quickest of steps. Look to the speedster to be a familiar sight on the offence for ACT this weekend.  

Pihuka Berryman-Duff – Northern Beaches Renegades

Eels NRLW star Pihuka Berryman-Duff returns to the Touch Football stage, after impressing in her Māori All Stars debut last month. A skillful player with a dangerous long-ball, the NSW representative will be one of the key playmakers of this side, making their national championships debut this year. 

2023 was a breakout year for the dynamic five-eighth, making nine appearances for the Parramatta Eels, as well as representing Samoa in the end-of-season Pacific Championship clash with Fiji. Expect her class to be on full display throughout this weekend, as the Renegades will look to make history in the Women’s Open division. 

Charli Nikola – BMTA Mustangs

With speed to burn and an eye for the tryline, Charli Nikola will be a decisive attacking weapon for BMTA this weekend. A try scoring machine, the young Queenslander is an incredible finisher, whether it’s from finding open space in the middle of the park or stretching out close to the line. 

Not only a superb finisher, but she has also demonstrated a strong passing game, with her vision from dummy half a highlight of her game. If there’s half a chance, expect the QSST representative to capitalise on it. Charli Nikola will be a crucial strike player for the Mustangs as they participate at The Championships for the first time ever. 

Lucia Fildes – UQ Rebels 

The UQ Rebels will be looking to make an impact at their Championships debut with a plethora of elite Touch Football talent available at their disposal. One of the headliners of their contingent is Australian Women’s Open representative, Lucia Fildes. With an abundance of speed and high Touch Football IQ, the Queenslander can pounce on any opportunity provided and will be almost impossible to stop once in open space. 

An absolute weapon on attack, Lucia is one of the best big game players currently in Touch Football, evident by various accolades earned at State and National level. These accomplishments include earning Player of the Final honours in 2022, when representing the South Queensland Sharks. If UQ are to go deep in their first attempt at The Championships, look to Lucia’s lighting quick feet to be a key factor.  

The Championships Tap off Friday March 8th at Coffs Harbour. The Championships are available to watch live and free on Kayo Sports in Australia, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Sky Sports Next in all other global territories.