Wallaroos Lori Cramer has continued her meteoric rugby rise after being named the Reds' captain for the 2020 Super W season.
Cramer, who only started playing rugby in 2015, was the top points scorer in Super W last year in an effort that earnt her a start with the Wallaroos.
The 26-year-old becomes the third players to captain the side in Super W and will have plenty of experience alongside her, with inaugural captain Kirby Sefo, and last year's leader Kiri Lingman to line up alongside her at the Reds.
After playing on the wing in the first season of Super W, Cramer became the side's first-choice fullback last year and revelled in the space available, bringing her strong kicking game and passion to the job, just as she will do in the captaincy role.
“To be selected to captain your state is a real honour,” Cramer said.
“Having been part of this program now since the beginning in 2018, it’s really special to be named captain of a group that has a great mix of experience and exciting new talent heading into 2020.
“I’m lucky to have a number of girls who have plenty of leadership experience within the squad to work with throughout the season. Some of the senior players in the team I’ve come through the ranks looking up to, so I’m lucky to pull on the Queensland jersey with them.
"To think that it's all happening again (is crazy).
"For me, so much has happened since this time last year, so this is definitely my favourite time of the year because you spend so much time with these people building up, so Super W's my favourite and I can't wait.
“I’m really looking forward to our 2020 Super W campaign. With more Test matches around the corner, the Tokyo Olympics coming up and the World Cup next year, it’s an exciting time to be a Women’s Rugby player.”
The Reds have a bye in this week's opening round of Super W fixtures but will take on Fiji to kick-start their campaign.
The team will be without backrower Millie Boyle (neck injury) and backs Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Sammy Treherne (sevens commitments) this season but Cramer was excited at the opportunities that would open for other players.
"Obviously we miss those girls but there's heaps of new raw talent that's willing to step up and I think that's exciting for us as a state," she said.
Queensland coach Moana Virtue said Cramer brought experience and a great decision-making ability to her new role.
“Off the field she has a bubbly personality and people gravitate towards her. She is always helping out and sets a great example for the rest of the squad and future generations," Virtue said.
“She is a great ambassador for Queensland Rugby and is deserving of this opportunity.”
The Reds take on Fiji on Sunday, February 16 at Ballymore, kicking off at 3pm with entry a gold coin donation and all funds raised going to the Queensland women's program.
