Women's Elite Eight Preview

10 Mar 2015 by Michael Gosman

It seemed New South Wales Scorpions came from the clouds last year to win the women’s Elite Eight division at National Touch League.

This year they won’t be so incognito.

With the targets on their back, every team will be gunning for the Scorpions.

They had an unblemished record in 2014, which gives them the confidence heading into this year’s campaign.

Adding to that confidence is majority of last year’s side remain, which makes them definite short-priced favourites.

New South Wales Mets will be nipping around once again.

The perennial finalists love the Elite Eight, having played in every final since the first competition at the 2011 NTL. This year should be no different.

Louise Winchester is the major drawcard for this side; she’ll work in tandem with Ash Quinlan.

Mets also picked up Shellie Davis and Tayla Clifford to add to their arsenal.

Queensland Chiefs have a lot of Australian representatives – 10 in all – playing and will be a team to keep an eye on.

Emily Hennessey returns and she adds that much-needed spark the Chiefs were lacking last year where they were knocked out in the semi-finals.

Their matches against Mets and Scorpions will be incredible showdowns.

The Stingrays could be the dark horses of the competition having made the semi-finals last year.

They have some talented players but it will come down to consistency.

Stability was something lacking the New South Wales Country Mavericks in 2014.

The Mavericks failed to win a match last year despite making the final four in 2013.

A new coach and a new-looking side means the Mavericks should go better this year.

New South Wales Rebels, Queensland Country Outlaws and The Alliance are not to be discounted from the field.

The Outlaws made massive improvements in 2014 and with a lot of youth-based players in their side, they could pull off a few upsets.

The Rebels didn’t have the best of it last year but they only missed the finals by a win.

Not having Maddie Studdon (injury) is a lost but there are other Australian representatives who are able to step up.

The Alliance is building every year and will be hard opposition for teams.

Leah Percy captains the side, which has brought on the best talent from around the country.