Captain of the Mittagong Lionesses, Rhiannon O’Neill has a big 2019 on her mind.

She wants to continue smashing out opportunities for her cubs and with the support of the Mittagong Lions Club behind her, the 2019 season looks promising.

Related: Mittagong Lionesses looking for a coach

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“I think the club has incorporated the lionesses really well,” Rhiannon said.

“Three years ago it was all about the male teams and then we came along and the club was really inclusive.

“All the boys would turn up and cheer us on and support us. 

“Players would also help us with training and we really felt included in the club. 

“The culture is great throughout Mittagong at the moment.”

With the backing of the club and fellow players, Rhiannon has a 2019 goal and that’s to continue the growth of the team, and for years to come. 

“I’m really looking forward to growing the club competition and make it stronger,” she said. 

“I know over the past couple of years, we’ve improved so much from where we started.

“I want to continue and grow on that success.”

As women’s sport continues to expand and undertake leagues that have been dominated by males, Rhiannon remembers when her sporting preferences were slim pickings.

“I’ve always grown up playing rugby league and Oztag,” Rhiannon said.

“I never really had a winter sport to play because there was really only hockey or soccer.

“So when ladies league tag came along, it was the perfect opportunity to take all the skills I had learnt over summer and maintain them over the winter season.”

The Lionesses are on the hunt for a new head coach for their 2019 women’s league tag competition. 

Bill Adrian was the previous head coach of the Lioness tag team, but couldn’t commit to coaching this season.

The Lions aren’t after a world class talent but must have the passion for development and instilling fun into the game. 

“I’d like someone who wants to motivate the girls and encourage them because a lot of the girls  haven’t been playing for very long and we’re still learning the basics,” Rhiannon said. 

“I think if they can support them to back themselves a little bit more during games and give them the confidence to turn up and have a go."

With a trial match locked in against Berry on Saturday, March 23, the Lionesses are looking to get 2019 off on the right foot.

If you’re interested in the head coaching role of the women’s league tag competition for the Mittagong Lionesses, please contact mittagonglions@outlook.com.