loved it,” Lyrech Mara says at her first Island of Origin

BY ALF WILSON

It was a “big surprise” for Lyrech Mara to win three individual awards when she played for winning women’s competition side Kayin Kosals at the Island of Origin series on Badu Island earlier this month.

The 21-year-old Lyrech won Player of the Carnival, the top try scorer trophy and also scored the most number of points.

Kayin Kosals won the final beating Waiben-side Pioneer Dames 32-10.

They went through the carnival undefeated.

Speaking to the Torres News Lyrech said it was the first time she has lined up at the Island of Origin.

“I haven’t been to Badu for about 10 years and absolutely loved it,” she said.

“I have lots of relatives there amongst the Baira and Nona families and they looked after me so much –every night I had a feast.”

Quietly spoken off the football field, Lyrech said she arrived two days before the action started.

“I played lock and it was a great carnival with lots of big tackles and was challenging,” she said.

“It was about the same intensity as the Women’s Queensland Cup.”

Her mother Rothana, and sometimes her uncle Roy Baira, who coached

Kulipyam at the last Mackay Indigenous carnival, have been with her most of the way of her football journey but this time she went by herself.

Lyrech credits her excellent form to losing 20kg over the past year.

“I was very surprised to win the three awards,” she said.

Mooka’s come back

Former Queensland women’s State of Origin representative Stephanie Mooka made a comeback to line up for Kayin Kosals and took out the carnival’s Best Forward award.

“Steph really had a good carnival and played at different positions in the forwards and backs,” Lyrech said.

“She had retired after injury but will play at carnivals.”

Another Kayin Kosals player to impress Lyrech was Esther Kebisu who won the best Back Award.

Full list of awards:

Individual Awards: Men

Top Try Scorer: Lewis Mene (Wakaid Warriors)

Highest Point Scorer: Brendan Magala (Apudthama)

Rookie of the Carnival: Tekelu Mene (Wakaid Warriors)

Most Improved: Yosepha Kepa (Magun Warriors)

Best Forward: Laurie Elisala (Roxin Eagles)

Best Back: Lewis Mene (Wakaid Warriors)

Golden Boot: Brendan Magala (Apudthama)

Player of the Carnival: Matthew Gibuma (Goemu Bau Raiders)

Individual Awards: Women

Highest Point Scorer: Lyrech Mara (Kayin Kosals)

Top Try Scorer: Lyrech Mara (Kayin Kosals)

Rookie of the Carnival: Rashae King (Kayin Kosals)

Most Improved: Etuina Suavai (Jillaroos)

Best Forward: Stephanie Mooka (Kayin Kosals)

Best Back: Esther Kebisu (Kayin Kasals)

Golden Boot: Calista Boyd (Kayin Kosals)

Player of the Carnival: Lyrech Mara (Kayin Kosals)