Words: Staff Writers
Image: Palm Beach SC

This weekend’s PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women’s Qualifying Final will feature a raft of players on the verge of stepping up to the Westfield W-League.

The Gap FC and Palm Beach SC face off this Sunday in blockbuster clash at Walton Bridge Reserve, with the winner securing hosting right’s to the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Women’s Grand Final.

However, several of the star performers have even more to play for after coming to the attention of Brisbane Roar W-League coach Belinda Wilson with their impressive performances during the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Women’s season.

Five players from 2015 Women’s Premiers The Gap FC - Maili Forbes, Gabe Marzano, Ruth Blackburn, Summer O’Brien and Noran Abaza - are currently training with Roar’s W-League team as part of their pre-season preparations for the eighth instalment of the Westfield W-League.

Palm Beach’s Meaghan McElligott and Deanna Thompson (pictured) are also training with the two-time Westfield W-League Champions and featured in a friendly match last week.

Roar are running the rule over the players as they seek to fill a number of first-team vacancies, as well as create a pool of reserves who will continue to train and develop alongside the stars throughout the Westfield W-League season.

Amongst a raft of recently confirmed departures for Roar Women are Elise Kellond-Knight (FC Tribune Potsdam), Laura Alleway (Melbourne City FC), Sunny Franco (Sydney FC), Kim Carroll, Larissa Crummer and Hayley Raso.

Wilson said the departures offered opportunities for players within the club’s development system and chances for stand-outs from PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Women’s competition to stake a claim for a place in the Westfield W-Leagues squad.

"We now have a good opportunity to have a look at various players and not only assess their technical and tactical ability, but also assess who they are as a person and see if they fit within our culture and can adapt to the game/training intensities that are required to play in the Westfield W-League,” Wilson said.

Sharks’ winger McElligott explained that while the skill level of the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Women was high, there was noticeable difference when training with the likes of Matildas star Tameka Butt.

“It can be a little bit intimidating when you’re making plays with Matilda's and W-League players that you’ve always looked up to,” McElligott said, who had previously trialled at Newcastle Jets as a teenager.

She added, “I am still finding my way through their drills and skills training, but it gets easier every session.”

The Gap’s 23-year-old winger Marzano, who played last Westfield W-League season with Perth Glory, said it was heartening to see PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland female talent given the chance to press their case with Roar.

“It's great to see NPL players given the opportunity to showcase their talents and being invited into the Roar environment,” Marzano said.

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Women's Qualifying Final
The Gap FC Women v Palm Beach SC Women
Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap
Sunday, August 23rd
Kick-off at 4:30PM