Gold Coast's Jemma Bemrose has been named captain of the Queensland Reds as part of an experienced new leadership group for the Swyftx Super Rugby Women's season.
Backrower Bemrose, 24, will step up as skipper for Sunday's final trial against the Fijian Drua at Ballymore Stadium (2pm) before the season kick-off against the ACT Brumbies at the same venue a week later on June 7 (1:05pm).
It will be the Bond University flanker's second season at the helm. She is joined in the Reds leadership group by former Wallaroos halfback Sarah Dougherty and two-time World Cup prop Bree-Anna Browne.
It is a strong sign of respect that the players were all voted into the leadership roles by their peers at the Reds.
"It's a huge honour to even represent Queensland. To have the respect of the team and be voted into the captaincy is a real privilege," Bemrose said.
"I learnt a lot from last year. I've always been someone to lead by example so becoming more confident in my voice has been really positive. Knowing when to speak and when to lean on other leaders in the team is a skill you learn as well.
"There was lots to be happy about from our first trial against the Brumbies (52-12). We are a new team, a new look, a new attack. It was the start and we will keep working to improve."
Reds Head Coach Andrew Fraser feels Bemrose has grown into the captaincy role and it suits her well.
"Jemma is a great example of a young woman being given responsibility and rapidly maturing in the role, last year and into this season," Fraser said.
"She has a physical presence with a calm demeanour, speaks well and understands the needs and wants of both our younger players and our senior squad members.
"She did a great job in her first year and she is well and truly the standout to be our captain."
Browne is an army sergeant in the Australian Defence Force and one of the Reds' most experienced players as she enters her sixth season.
“Being a sergeant, there’s a leadership that comes with that and I feel I can be a voice at the right times for the girls," Browne said.
“The development of the players we have and to see the women’s program gaining momentum are things that excite me after the progress to the grand final last year."
Dougherty's perseverance and standards are highly regarded. Neither trait dropped a notch in 2025 when she missed out on Reds selection when Wallaroos halfbacks Layne Morgan and Nat Wright were ahead of her.
Dougherty grabbed her chance with a standout showing for the Reds against the NSW Waratahs at last September's Santos Festival of Rugby.
"Bree-Anna and Sarah are both experienced competitors who have been through the highs and lows of the program and the highs and lows as players with injury, non-selection, the thrill of making teams and persevering," Fraser said.
"They understand the standards and valuable connections of a team and are the exact fit we need as leaders within our squad.
"Bree-Anna is a sergeant in the army. She lives a values-based lifestyle where she works and her experiences in the game make her really well placed to be a leader for us.
"In its own way, rugby is preparing these young women as leaders for the next chapter of their lives beyond the game."
