THREE stars of the premiership-winning Nambucca Roosters women’s team have stepped into new roles for 2026.
Sam Field, Lacey Wilson and Xanthi Hand have all put their hands up to join the Nambucca Roosters Junior Rugby League Club as coaches.
Field will guide the Under 16s girls team, while Wilson and Hand take the reins for the Under 14s girls.
The move comes at a critical time, as the club works to combat a worrying decline in junior registrations.
For Sam Field, coaching is about passion and progression.
“My passion for both the club and (opportunities for) women in league drives me and I want to show young girls that we can do more than just play,” Field told News Of The Area.
“We can coach, support, and lead in every way.”
Xanthi Hand echoed that sentiment, saying her motivation comes from a desire to give back.
“I wanted to help out the football club and pass down the knowledge I’ve gained,” she said.
“It’s really about creating something fun and supportive for these younger girls.”
Both coaches draw on their experiences as women in a male-dominated sport to shape their approach.
“I teach the girls to back themselves,” Field added.
“It’s easy to sit on the sidelines in this sport, but I encourage them to be passionate, lead, and be confident.”
Hand told News Of The Area, “Being female in this space has taught me to follow what I love and give it everything.
“That’s the message I want to pass on.”
The response from the Roosters community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone is so excited to see Nambucca fielding teams in the girls’ competition,” said Field.
“I’ve received so many supportive messages, it’s made us even more excited to get started.”
Hand described the feedback as “extremely supportive”, and said it’s energising to feel the whole community behind the program.
While on-field success is always a goal, the coaches have their eyes on something bigger.
“I want to build confidence in the basics of footy,” said Field.
“It’s about connection and growing our Roosters family.”
With the girls’ game gaining momentum, the new coaches had a clear message for anyone thinking about getting involved.
“If you’ve ever thought about it, go for it,” said Hand.
“The friendships you build in this sport will last a lifetime.”
The Junior Roosters are also optimistic about the broader future for the club.
“Like many regional clubs, we’ve faced our share of challenges with player registrations in recent years and last season being one of the toughest, with only our Under 6s fielding a stand-alone side,” Juniors president Jeff Cork told NOTA.
“This year, however, there’s a real sense of optimism and momentum building.
“Our close alignment with the senior Nambucca Roosters has been a massive boost, and we’re all looking forward to a strong 2026 season.
“In addition to the three coaches from the women’s team, we are also thrilled to welcome Peter Bellden (Senior Club President), Dean Buchanan, and Kade Welsh to our coaching ranks.
“Each of them brings enormous experience, passion, and leadership to our club.
“It’s really important that our young players feel part of something bigger, part of the Roosters family and I can’t thank the senior club enough for their ongoing support.”
Registrations for the 2026 season open 1 December.
By Mick BIRTLES
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