Ciarn MacBride: Far North Queensland’s Dual-Sport Phenom on the Rise

At just 17 years old, Ciarn MacBride is fast becoming one of Far North Queensland’s most exciting sporting prospects, a dynamic athlete excelling at the highest levels in both netball and rugby league. 

From her hometown roots with the Innisfail Leprechauns and Cairns Brothers Leprechauns to representing the Far North Flames, Northern Pride, and multiple Queensland and national squads, Ciarn’s career is already decorated with achievements that many athletes spend a lifetime chasing. 

A Packed Resume of Representative Honours 

The past two years have been a whirlwind of selection camps, championships, and international opportunities. Ciarn’s netball career has soared, with highlights including: 

• Selection in the U17 Queensland Netball Team for the U17/19 National Championships in Melbourne (August 2024) and Sydney (October 2025) 

• Named in the U17 Australian Squad, attending the national camp in Canberra (July 2024) 

• Competing with the Far North Flames in the Ruby North Series (April–August 2025) 

• Representing the U19 Peninsula Netball Team and the U19 Queensland School Girls Merit Team 

• Progressing through both the Regional Future Firebirds Academy (Dec 2023–Sept 2024) and the Future Firebirds Academy (Dec 2024–Sept 2025) 

• Selection for the U21 Samoa National Netball Team to compete at the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar (September 15–25, 2025) 

Her rugby league career is equally impressive, with selection in the U18 Peninsula Rugby League Team for the Queensland State Championships and a place in the Northern Pride BMD Premiership Squad for the 2025 season, where she made her debut during the club’s inaugural BMD campaign between June and August 2025. 

The Female Co Connection 

We are incredibly proud to have supported Ciarn during a pivotal stage in her journey, as she prepared for selections in both netball and rugby league. Balancing three early-morning training sessions each week before school, while travelling further south for state and national netball selection camps, Ciarn showed remarkable dedication and resilience. As a participant in The Female Co’s 2023–2024 Trial Program, our high-performance initiative designed to identify and nurture regional and remote female athletes, she embraced every opportunity to grow, compete, and refine her craft.  

“Being part of the trial program truly kicked off my journey,” Ciarn reflects. “It motivated me to work harder, grow, and become a better athlete. With so much still ahead, I’m driven to make the most of every opportunity, while contributing to the future of women’s sport in Far North Queensland.” 

Grounded in Gratitude and Resilience 

Ciarn’s success is underpinned by strong values instilled through family and community support. Her mother, Jessie Luaao, describes her as a young woman with a strong moral compass: 

“Ciarn practising values such as respect and being grateful for each opportunity and resilience is what I truly admire most about her.” 

These values, combined with her relentless drive, have positioned Ciarn as not only a talented athlete but also an inspiring role model for young girls in sport. 

Eyes on the Future 

Balancing the demands of two elite sports is no easy feat, but Ciarn’s focus remains clear — to keep pursuing her goals and play rugby league at the highest possible level, while continuing to excel on the netball court. 

Her pathway is proof of what’s possible when raw talent meets opportunity, dedication, and community support. Whether it’s representing her region, her state, or her country, Ciarn MacBride is making her mark — and she’s only just getting started. 

Representative Honours 

• U17 Queensland Netball Team – U17/19 Netball National Championship, Melbourne (8–14 August 2024) / Sydney (10–15 October 2025) 

• U17 Australian Squad – Australian Squad Camp, Canberra (3–7 July 2024) 

• Northern Pride BMD Squad – June–September 2025 

• UK/France Australian Wanderers Tour – 4–20 December 2024 

• Regional Future Firebirds Academy – December 2023–September 2024 

• Future Firebirds Academy – December 2024–September 2025 

• Far North Flames Netball Team – Ruby North Series, April–August 2025 

• U18 Peninsula Rugby League Team – QLD State Championship, 8–11 May 2025 

• U19 Peninsula Netball Team – QLD State Championships, 14–17 May 2025 

• U19 Queensland School Girls Netball Merit Team – Training Camp, 6–8 September 2024 

• U21 Samoa National Netball Team – Youth World Cup, 15–25 September 2025