Diesels’ dynamic duo Foley and Field honoured at inaugural awards night

TWO of Junee’s star female rugby league players have been recognised for their outstanding performances, as the Group Nine Women’s Tackle team prepares to battle for a spot in the inaugural grand final.

Dynamic Diesels duo Abbey Field and Abby Foley were honoured at Group Nine’s annual awards ceremony at the Wagga RSL Club on Wednesday night.

The pair have been key to Junee’s charge throughout the season, dominating the competition’s scoring stats and leaving a mark on the debut year of structured women’s competition.

Field, who crossed the line 15 times leading into the major semi-final, was crowned the season’s Leading Try Scorer. She also claimed the title of Best and Fairest Runner-Up.

Meanwhile, Foley was named Leading Point Scorer after amassing 78 points during the regular season.

The Junee Diesels said the achievements were just part of a wider impact local women have had on the competition’s opening season.

“These girls have had a tremendous season so far, with plenty more to come alongside their teammates taking on Young this weekend,” the club said.

Abby Foley (left) was crowned the season’s Leading Point Scorer, while Abbey Field (right) was named Leading Try Scorer and Best and Fairest Runner-Up | Photos: Junee Diesels

DOMINANT DIESELS

This year marks the first time the Group Nine Women’s Tackle competition has introduced a formal finals series, after launching in 2024 without an official ladder or championship decider.

Seven clubs entered the expanded competition — Junee, Southcity, Young, Gundagai, Tumut, Temora and Estella — with the Diesels quickly emerging as a team to beat.

From the opening whistle, the Junee women have been a force to be reckoned with, notching nine wins from 11 games, including an unbeaten run at home and a commanding 10-round streak without loss to secure a top-two finish.

Junee Diesels 2025 Women’s Tackle side | Photo: Junee Diesels

After going down to Estella Storm for the second time this season in the major semi-final, Junee now face a must-win clash against Young this weekend to book their place in the grand final rematch for a shot at the 2025 Reece Group Premiership.

While Estella remain the favourites, boasting nine wins from 10 starts, Junee have already proven they can get the job done — having dealt the Wagga side a major blow in Round 2, walking away 20–10 victors.

CLUB VOLUNTEER HONOURED

Meanwhile, the Diesels also extended their congratulations to Michael “Diggo” Diggins, who was crowned the club’s Volunteer of the Year during Wednesday night’s ceremony.

“Diggo has worked tirelessly to help the Diesels be the best club it can be,” the club said.

“From water runner, motivational speaker, BBQ connoisseur and professional beer taster — thank you so much for your contribution.”