
ABOUT FNQ PEARLS
Welcome!
Our team is dedicated to promoting our story for all locals, fans, family, friends, sponsors, and everyone who loves rugby. Be part of our journey!
OUR VISION
At FNQ Pearls, our vision is to empower our young Indigenous women through the transformative power of rugby league, allowing them to reach their full potential on and off the field. Our team motto, "Doing Hard Things to Inspire," embodies the spirit of perseverance, resilience, and dedication that drives our athletes to excel in both the sport and their personal lives. We believe that by challenging themselves physically and mentally, these young women can become inspiring role models and leaders in their communities, showing future generations the limitless possibilities that await when one has the courage to face challenges head-on. Our commitment to fostering the development of our players goes beyond the field, as we recognize the importance of providing a supportive environment that cultivates personal growth, self-confidence, and a strong sense of cultural identity. By connecting our players with their Indigenous heritage and fostering an inclusive team atmosphere, we aim to create a nurturing space where they can build the skills, relationships, and experiences that will enrich their lives and those of their communities. Through our unwavering dedication to this vision, FNQ Pearls will continue to inspire young Indigenous women to rise above their challenges, embrace their unique strengths, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
OUR JOURNEY
The FNQ Pearls young women's rugby league team, with 50 talented players across the U15 and U17 categories, represents the power of community, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Hailing from low socio-economic communities in Far North Queensland, these athletes overcome geographic and socio-economic barriers to participate in the Murri Rugby League Carnival. Committed to promoting positive health, education, and sporting participation outcomes, they eagerly work and train hard to create formidable teams. Our journey is about showcasing our players' skills and inspiring others through their dreams and aspirations. With remarkable achievements already under our belt, including selections for the QLD Murri team, South Sydney Rabbitohs U19, and U19's NQ Pride, we continue to foster a nurturing environment for our athletes. Committed to our vision, we strive to create a brighter future for these young women and their communities, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment, inspiration, and hope.

SUPPORTERS


Experienced Rugby League Manager and Coach
Veteran Junior Rugby League Coach
PAULINE
MOORCROFT
Pauline Moorcroft is a dedicated and experienced rugby league manager and coach, deeply committed to nurturing young talent in the FNQ region. With a personal connection to the sport through her family, Pauline has been actively involved in coaching and managing girls' rugby league teams, including the Mareeba Girls Teams (U13, U15, U17) and the FNQ Pearls. Under her guidance, the U17s Girls team clinched victory in the 2023 Cairns Competition.
As a certified NRL Community Coach for the 13-15s and 16-18s age groups, Pauline blends her technical know-how with hands-on experience, making her an effective and inspiring leader. Her professional role as an A/Travel Manager for Queensland Health further sharpens her organisational and leadership skills, allowing her to manage teams with precision and care.
Pauline is passionate about fostering the next generation of rugby league players, and her strengths as a manager and coach are evident in her ability to inspire, organise, and lead with both expertise and enthusiasm.
BEN
MITCHELL
Ben Mitchell is a seasoned rugby league coach with two decades of experience, specialising in guiding junior teams from U8s through to U16s. His extensive coaching credentials include Community Coaching (16-18), concussion management, international games coaching, League Safe, and modified games coaching.
Ben's expertise has seen him take on roles as assistant coach for the
FNQ Girls U17s and as the head coach for the QMC FNQ Pearls U17s over the past three years. His commitment to developing young talent has recently earned him the position of head coach for the QLD Indigenous U17s Girls team.
Ben's long-standing dedication and deep understanding of the game make him a highly respected figure in junior rugby league.

Our Elders in Residence
ROBERT & GLORIA WARE
Athe (Grandpa) Robert and Aka (Grandma) Gloria Ware are Traditional Elders in Residence for a young women's rugby league team, hailing from the Torres Strait Islands. Married for over 40 years, they offer cultural guidance, emotional support, and spiritual counsel, helping players embrace their heritage and boost their confidence.
Athe Robert, who named the team the FNQ Pearls, symbolises the team's Indigenous roots and the dedication needed to succeed. Their work also plays a crucial role in preserving Torres Strait Island traditions for future generations, highlighting the resilience of Indigenous communities in Australia.
CONNECT WITH US
Join us in our journey. Reach out to FNQ Pearls for any inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to simply show your support.
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We'd love to hear from you!