High-energy forward Paris Mohr has waited 12 long months to get back into a Queensland Reds jersey at the Santos Festival of Rugby.
Her 80-minute display for the women in Narrabri at last year's festival was a big factor in securing her a Reds squad spot before a cruel injury stalled her progress.
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On Saturday, she is hoping to produce a showing at lock in Roma that can be the same positive springboard into 2027.
She is finally fit and firing after a stress fracture in her hip took rest and diligent rehab to overcome while her chances of a 2026 Super Rugby Women's debut were wiped out.
She only need look as far as Bond University clubmate and Reds skipper Jemma Bemrose to realise that hard work can conquer any injury setback on the way to dreams being realised.
"That Wallaroos debut was so deserved for Jemma. It was awesome just to be involved in the same team environment as her at the Reds. It was a good push for me to keep chipping away and to know you can realise your own goals," Mohr said.
"Of course, I sent her a text. I was super proud of her."
Mohr, 24, has the confidence of three premierships with Bond University behind her to draw on.
"I was obviously disappointed to miss my first proper season as part of the Reds with the hip but the team environment was really positive," Mohr said.
"I'm really looking forward to the game time in Roma after getting back for four club games with Bond.
"Playing for Queensland at the Festival of Rugby last year was a nice confidence boost to reinforce that I can play at a higher level than club. Nailing down a position for the Reds is the end goal.
"I feel like I've got energy to burn for Saturday."
That's typical of the upbeat Mohr, who isn't content unless constantly busy whether it is her job in support work in spinal care, her rugby, keeping fit or hanging out with friends.
Her speed, agility and fitness are plusses for her tight five role on Saturday although she is equally at home in the backrow.
She will be paired in the second-row with promising Wests prospect Laylani Va'ai, an athletic, jumping option for the lineout.
Experienced Tiarna Molloy will captain the side from No.8 in a backrow of real strength beside Zoe Hanna and Dillyn Blackburn.
Reds Head Coach Andrew Fraser is delighted with the example that the likes of Bemrose, Blackburn, Ava Wereta and Piper Flynn are setting as young Reds being recognised by the Wallaroos for Tests and tours.
"The Reds women's program is growing and you are seeing good things sprout from that like the recognition for Jemma, Dill, Ava and Piper this year," Fraser said.
"The vision of the QRU Board to invest in the women's program is showing results. Young girls can aspire to be like Jemma, Piper or whoever.
"For us in Roma, there is the chance for women to make a mark that counts into planning for next year's Super Rugby Women's season. They can show the form they have at club level and take it to the next level.
"Someone like Olivia Warlow had a really strong finals campaign with Sunnybank at prop. Likewise, Vitalina Naikore was on fire in the finals from fullback.
"At flyhalf, there is a chance for greater minutes for Charity Wightman-Beaven, who gained her first experiences off the bench for the Reds earlier this year."
The Reds women broke their hoodoo against the Waratahs in Sydney this year and producing another physical performance is what they need to back it up.
Saturday, September 19
Gallas Fox Park, Roma
Kick-off: 3:20pm
Livestream on Rugby Xplorer
Queensland Reds
1 Jordan Neal | Brothers
2 Zophronia Setu | University of Queensland
3 OIivia Warlow | Sunnybank
4 Laylani Va’ai | Wests
5 Paris Mohr | Bond University
6 Zoe Hanna | Bond University
7 Dillyn Blackburn | Wests
8 Tiarna Molloy (c) | Brothers
9 Sarah Dougherty | GPS
10 Charity Wightman-Beaven | University of Queensland
11 Eva Doblo | Bond University
12 Harmony Vatau | Sunnybank
13 Melita Hicks | University of Queensland
14 Darcy Milfull | Wests
15 Vitalina Naikore | Sunnybank
Replacements
16 Hayley Glass | University of Queensland
17 Dominika Baleingasau | Wests
18 Matauimalo Malele Iafeta | University of Queensland
19 Shannon Symon | Sunnybank
20 Kieran Berry | University of Queensland
21 Fa’agase Tupuola-Palale | Bond University
22 Evie Sampson | Bond University
23 Alekermay Tuaana | Wests
24 Iron Talia | Sunnybank
25 Leilani Hills | Easts
26 Aroha Spillane | University of Queensland
Friday
4:30-8pm: Free-entry street party on McDowall Street. Live entertainment, food trucks, rugby games zone, player appearances and more
Saturday
9am: Gates Open
9:30am: Queensland vs. NSW (Women’s 7s) Game 1
10:00am: Queensland vs. NSW Under 19s
Noon: Queensland vs. NSW (Women’s 7s) Game 2
12:30pm: Classic Wallabies Coaching Clinic
1:30pm: Queensland vs. NSW (Women’s 7s) Game 3
2:00pm: Vintage Reds vs. Roma Echidnas
3:20pm: Queensland vs. NSW (Women)
5:45pm: Queensland vs. NSW (Super Rugby AUS)
Gates Close at 9pm
