Indie Bostock and Trinity Tauaneai have continued their standout seasons earning selection in this year’s Australian Schoolgirls squad.
Bostock returns to the Australian Schoolgirls scene having been a part of last year’s squad whilst Tauaneai notches a maiden call-up off the back of the ASSRL National Championships where she took home NSWCHS’s Most Valuable Player award.
Both players have spent the preseason training with the Dragons’ NRLW squad having inked development deals earlier in the year.
Bostock enjoyed an incredible Tarsha Gale Cup campaign with the Steelers, taking home Player of the Match honours in their Grand Final win before starring in victories for Under 18s Country and the Under 19s Blues.
“It’s been my favourite year so far,” Bostock said.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m excited for Australian Schoolgirls... I'm glad we got to win all those things and it'll be definitely a year a won't forget.”
Now in the midst of her second NRLW preseason, Bostock credits her teammates and coaches at the club for the role that they have played in helping her make strides on the field over the past 12 months.
“Sowie has been a big help. I’ve pretty much just been working on everything,” Bostock said.
It’s been my favourite year so far. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m excited for Australian Schoolgirls.
Indie Bostock
“My body was a bit sore there for a little bit but it’s good now and it's a different kind of preseason this year… The team’s more connected as well I reckon this year. It’s just kind of learning as many lessons as I can and learning off Bobbi (Law), Keele (Browne), the wingers. I just want to learn everything that they do.”
Bostock is one of several Steelers products to have progressed from Tarsha Gale Cup level to the cusp of the NRLW which she says makes they journey all the more special.
“It’s so good. Even this year, I’m not even involved in the top squad but I'm so proud of Charlotte (Basham), Kasey (Reh), Ella (Koster),” Bostock said.
“It’s good to play with girls that you’ve always been around, and you always play your best footy when you’re playing alongside your mates. I’m excited to watch them this year.”
Bostock makes special mention of the role that her family – those both near and far – have played as she progresses through the grades.
“They’ve been really important,” Bostock said.
“Dad and (Dolphins winger) Jack are up at Brisbane, and they contribute as much as they can but my mum’s the one that takes me to all the games, training, drove me everywhere for the past few years. I wouldn’t be anywhere without her. She’s the main reason I do this as well. Jack and my sister, Ellie, mean a lot to me and I’m very grateful to have a good, supportive family.”
Tauaneai has enjoyed a different type of rugby league journey having made the move across the ditch from Wainuiomata on New Zealand’s North Island a little over a year ago.
Older sister Alexis debuted for the Dragons last season and has proven to be an important mentor for the budding star.
“She’s there to tease me and just make me work harder than anything but it’s been good,” she laughed.
“Everything’s been coming so fast. I’m just grateful to get all the opportunities that I’ve been given and just keep working… It’s pretty cool seeing and meeting all the girls, especially the experienced ones like Steph Hancock and Rae McGregor. It’s been cool learning alongside them and just taking steps and getting the most out of it.”
An Australian Schoolgirls jersey is a fitting reward for the dominant junior season that Tauaneai has managed to string together and an opportunity that she is appreciative of.
“I didn't expect it, especially getting the starting position,” Tauaneai said.
“I was in shock when they called my name, to be honest. I'm more grateful than anything and excited. I'm excited to learn, especially with the other girls that were selected as well. I took notice of them and I’m just keen to get in camp and really just soak it all in.”
I want to be stepping up and learning from the older girls. I’m just there to learn and keep developing my own skills.
Trinity Tauaneai
A Bass High School product, Tauaneai turned heads representing NSWCHS at last week’s National Championships in Coffs Harbour despite her side falling just short in the Final.
“It was good. My team had a really good bond,” she said.
“The girls just made the experience that much more fun not just on the field but off the field too. The whole experience was just fun.”
Tauaneai’s attention will turn to the Steelers’ Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership season as she prepares to make the leap up to the Dragons’ NRLW squad in 2025.
“I just want to keep learning because I've never played with grown women before,” she said.
“I want to be stepping up and learning from the older girls. I’m just there to learn and keep developing my own skills.”
