Player Shontelle Stowers

[mt.wellington]

Shontelle Stowers

​

Shontelle Stowers (born 14 November 1986) is a New Zealand-born Australian rugby union and rugby league who plays for the Parramatta Eels in the NRLW and the North Sydney Bears in the NSWRL Women's Premiership.

She has played representative level rugby union for Australia and Australia sevens and at club level for Warringah Rats, and representative level rugby league for Samoa and NSW City, and at club level for Cronulla-Caringbah, and in the NRL Women's Premiership for the Sydney Roosters Women, usually as a centre.

Stowers moved to Australia at the age of 21 and played rugby union for the Warringah Rats. While with the club she represented the Australian rugby sevens side and the Australia.

In 2017, she switched to rugby league and played for Cronulla-Caringbah. In 2018, she was selected for the NSW City side for the National Championships.

In February 2018, Stowers represented Samoa at the 2018 Rugby League Commonwealth Championship.

On 17 June 2018, Stowers signed for the Sydney Roosters as one of their 15 marquee signings.

In Round 1 of the 2018 NRL Women's Premiership, Stowers made her debut for the Sydney Roosters, starting at centre in their 10–4 loss to the New Zealand Warriors.

In May 2019, she represented NSW City at the 2019 Women's National Championships. On 8 June, she was named to make her debut for the New South Wales State of Origin team.

In 2020, Stowers joined the New Zealand Warriors, playing two games for the club that season.

In 2021, Stowers joined the St George-Illawarra Dragons, playing two games for the club that season.

 

[mt.wellington]

Perfect Timing for Shontelle Stowers​

Tue 25 Sep 2018, 11:58 am

Sydney Roosters centre Shontelle Stowers has had a hot start to the inaugural NRLW season, but Sunday afternoon will be the ultimate test for the Samoan sensation.

Stowers has been a shining light in the squad over the three week regular season, with seven tackle breaks and averaging over 100 running metres.

Stowers is from a Union background, and it's an impressive background to say the least.

She was in the Australian 7s squad for three years, and even represented the Australian Wallaroos.

When asked about her deflection to rugby league, Stowers recalls the path being paved perfectly for her.
"I'd spent enough time in union, and league was always something I wanted to try," she said.
"The timing was perfect, and the opportunity arrived where I had my old 7s coach approach me to join the Sharks last year.
"That gave me a little bit of comfort and allowed a good transition into league."

Her impressive form isn't surprising to her teammates due to her background in union, but she's only been playing rugby league for a little over a year.
"I JUST switched over at the start of 2017.
"My first game for the Sharks last year was the first game of league I ever played.
"For me, it's still difficult to lose the training that's been instilled in me as a union player.
"My first couple of league games it took a while to get rid of some of those old urges, but I'm finding my way into it."

The Roosters Women's team will be playing in this week's NRLW Grand Final on the back of a clinical 26-0 win over the Dragons last Saturday night.
Though the season didn't start in perfect fashion for the team, it's starting to come together at crunch time.
"The first two games were very challenging for us individually and as a team.
"By game three though and just in time for the Grand Final, we found our groove.
"The footy gods rolled out the red carpet, we rolled up our sleeves and came away with a big win.
"Now it's all about rolling the sleeves up and going again this week."

Stowers has had three different wing partners over three weeks due to injury and positional changes.

Karina Brown was on the wing in game one, but shuffled to fullback from game two.

Sharon McGrady was injured late in game two, which led to young Brydie Parker debuting on the wing.
"I was actually just thinking about that today.
"I have had a wing rotation every week for the last three weeks.
"There's trust there though, I have trust in all of these girls.
"Yes there is a different player outside of me, but we are all working as one team.
"Whoever that person is outside of me, I will work with, they'll work with me and do the very best they can."

Not only did Brydie pull through injury free, but also scored a four-pointer in her first appearance for the Women's team.
Stowers may not have scored this season yet, but she was wrapped to see Brydie go over.
"I've been struggling to get over, but I was wrapped when Brydie did and on debut.
"You can't ask for anything else.
"I hope my try just around the corner, waiting to go.
"We'll see though, I really don't mind as long as we complete our sets and play well as a team."

There's one game to go and the feeling is good among the playing group.
When asked what she wants to see from the team this week, Stowers just wants to ride that winning feeling.
"The win last week has completely changed the tone for us.
"We were doing the work right up until that point, and then suddenly it all just clicked.
"That feeling after the win was just so incredible, so we'll take that feeling right through the training week and into the Grand Final.
"We've grown every week, we'll need to grow again and we need to get tighter."

Perfect Timing for Shontelle Stowers

Sydney Roosters centre Shontelle Stowers has had a hot start to the inaugural NRLW season, but Sunday afternoon will be the ultimate test for the Samoan sensation.

www.roosters.com.au

 

[mt.wellington]

Shontelle Stowers is one stubborn footballer​

June 18 2019

Margie McDonald – Senior Reporter NRL

You want to meet a stubborn footballer? Then let me introduce you to Shontelle Stowers.

While the New Zealand-born Stowers had a slow burn to reach the heights of rugby union, it’s been a quick flame igniting her rise in rugby league.

Throw in an ACL tear, broken wrist, hamstring muscle torn off the bone, and you wonder why she put herself all through that to keep returning to studded shoes.

But the perseverance, the high-pain tolerance – the stubbornness – have all culminated in Stowers being named in the NSW Blues 2019 Holden Women’s State of Origin team.

Her story has its climax in the June 21 showdown with Queensland at North Sydney Oval.

But its beginnings are in the backyard at Tokoroa with her two older brothers, near Rotorua on NZ’s north island.

“I just wanted to join my brothers playing footy in the backyard. I just wanted to be amongst it – contact and all,” she told NRL.com. “I just naturally picked up the passing, the weaving, the dodging.”

That went on from the age of nine years, until 14. At high school she began playing touch footy and made representative teams in the Waikato region.

Stowers was also proficient in basketball and netball and Rugby Sevens teams.

She moved to Australia at age 20, mainly as her brothers were now living in the Sydney area.

“And I thought there would be more opportunities for my sport here,” said Stowers, now 32.

She linked up with the Engadine Lions rugby team.

She made the Wallaroos squad.

“But because I played for New Zealand teams prior, and I was born in New Zealand, I had to sit out a three-year waiting period.”

Stowers did finally play for Australia in the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011. But on the cusp of making the 15-woman team Stowers tore her anterior cruciate ligament in 2014.

“I had to wait again, this time to recover… but I was able to get back to representative footy in 2016. I actually got to play with the Wallaroos against the Black Ferns at Eden Park.”

The code swap came about because Stowers was finding rugby too slow and too structured. She liked the freedom to run, change angles, pick up the pace, think quickly on her feet.

“A Nines opportunity came about with the Sharks in league because my old Sevens coach Jason Stanton became the coach of the Sharks. He appreciated the way I liked to play and encouraged me to come over and give the Nines a try.”

Her very first Nines game with the Sharks, she tore her hamstring so badly, it pulled free off the top of the calf muscle where they both attach to the leg bone.

“My surgeon said he’d never seen that kind of tear before.”

But Stowers rehabbed that injury and started the journey back to full fitness once again.

“At the same time, one of my best friends NIta Maynard changed with me to league so that all made it so much better,” Stowers said,

“We debuted for the Sharks together in 2017, we debuted for the NRLW with the Roosters together in 2018, we played in the National Championships last year.

“But unfortunately leading up to Origin last year, I broke my left wrist playing with NSW City. I got it fixed but then after the WNRL season, I had it scanned and found it was still broken. I’d played through the season with it like that.

“So I had to take more time off and let my body heal properly this time.

“When I came back Nita and I decided to leave the Sharks and go to the North Sydney Bears.”

And from the Bears den, Stowers was picked for NSW City in 2019, showing sparkling form in last week’s National Championships – at centre.

But yesterday she was named as one of the seven debutantes for the NSW Blues in the second row.

“I’ve never actually played back row. My preferred position is centre, and I can play left or right side, so Andy (coach Andrew Patmore) must have a game plan in mind. I can’t wait to find out what that is.

“I’ve been working on my mobility and strength so maybe he’s seeing something I haven’t quite yet.

Shontelle Stowers is one stubborn footballer - North Sydney Bears

Margie McDonald – Senior Reporter NRL You want to meet a stubborn footballer? Then let me introduce you to Shontelle Stowers. While the New Zealand-born Stowers had a slow burn to reach the heights of rugby union, it’s been a quick flame igniting her rise in rugby league. Throw in an ACL tear...

www.northsydneybears.com.au

 

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View: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10156023072023074​

 

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View: https://www.facebook.com/onenzwarriors/videos/1063237527438213​

 

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View: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=388321889648124&set=a.144679577345691​

 

[mt.wellington]

Women's Origins | Shontelle Stowers​

Kristy-Lee Harris
Wed 9 Sep 2020, 11:41 am


Shontelle Stowers was destined to play Rugby League, and it was a push from her old Rugby Union coach, Jason Stanton, that gave her the faith to switch to the greatest game of all.

Stanton gave Stowers the opportunity to play for the Sharks in the Women’s 9s in 2017, and ever since then, she has always worn a Rugby League jersey.

"A Nines opportunity came about with the Sharks in league because my old Sevens coach Jason Stanton became the coach of the Sharks,” Stowers told NRL.com

“He appreciated the way I liked to play and encouraged me to come over and give the Nines a try."

Stowers, now a Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Origin player and leader of the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Women’s premiership, has endured a torn ACL, torn hamstring and broken wrist in her sporting career but has persevered through the tough times to continue doing what she loves.

Her strength and ability to constantly improve on her form despite numerous setbacks is why coach Rob Capizzi named her as one of the leaders at North Sydney, alongside Origin teammate Kirra Dibb.

“Kirra and Shontelle are in our leadership group that I always confer with," Capizzi told NSWRL.com.au

"They model the expected behaviours we would like to see in a footy team by doing extras before training and when they're on the field they carry themselves in a way that is noticeable they are representative players."

After making her NSW Origin debut in 2019, Stowers has continued to push her claims as a rising talent in Women’s Rugby League, scoring four tries alone for the Bears this season.

She will be a key force in helping the foundation club progress through to the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership finals.

 

[mt.wellington]

Warriors side shuffled for Roosters encounter​

Richard Becht
Tue 6 Oct 2020, 04:00 pm

Centre Shontelle Stowers is back from injury, hooker Michaela Peck comes onto the bench and there’s also a positional switch in the Warriors’ starting line-up for their second-round NRLW premiership encounter with the Sydney Roosters at Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off local time; 2.30pm NZT).

Stowers was originally selected for the first-round clash against the Brisbane Broncos but was a late defection with injury.

She’s named again to start in a combination which will feature a new pairing on the right edge with Stowers lining up inside Kiwi winger Madison Bartlett.

After being used in the second row against the Broncos, Bartlett has been moved to her more familiar position on the flank while veteran Hilda Peters, who was on the wing last week, has been switched to the second row.

The other change sees Peck brought onto the interchange with Teaghan Hartigan, a late replacement for Stowers last week, moving to the extended bench. Stowers and Peck are set to become the 13th and 14th players to make their debuts for the club after 12 newcomers were used last week.

The contest will have special significance for Stowers along with fullback Karina Brown, standoff Kirra Dibb and halfback Simone Smith, who’ll all line up against their old club; Brown and Stowers played for the Roosters and 2018 and 2019 while Dibb and Smith appeared for club last year. Second rower

Tazmin Gray was also with the Roosters in 2018 before switching to the Broncos last season.

The Warriors beat the Roosters 10-4 in the competition’s inaugural match in 2018 and then 16-12 when the teams again met in round one last season.

However, the Roosters broke their starting sequence with an 18-4 first-up win last week over last year’s beaten grand finalist St George Illawarra.

The Warriors began impressively against back-to-back premiers the Broncos in Canberra with halfback Smith and Australian Olympic Games rugby union sevens gold medallist Ellia Green both scoring in the opening minutes, Green just eight minutes into her first rugby league match.

The fast start was checked, though, as Brisbane regrouped and responded with 28 points before Green’s Olympic teammate Evania Pelite also marked her rugby league debut with a try. Green and Pelite finished the match as the Warriors’ top metre eaters, Pelite with 108 metres from eight runs and Green 94 from nine, the latter also having a clean sheet on defence making seven tackles without a miss.

Warriors side shuffled for Roosters encounter

Two players will make their Warriors debuts and there's also a position switch for the side's second NRLW outing against the Roosters.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

Shontelle Stowers nominated for Veronica White Medal​

Tue 29 Aug 2023, 08:30 am


Parramatta Eels NRLW player Shontelle Stowers has been nominated for the 2023 Veronica White Medal in recognition of her tremendous contributions to the community.

The Veronica White Medal highlights female rugby league players who have demonstrated their commitment to making a difference in their local community and beyond. The award was won by fellow Eels star Kennedy Cherrington in 2022.

The Eels’ 2023 nominee, Shontelle Stowers strives to make a difference in the community through her expertise in rugby league, wellness, and culture.

As a Breathwork Facilitator, Wellbeing Manager and Mentor, Shontelle regularly gifts her time and skill to facilitate breathwork sessions and wellbeing workshops for men and women in the community.

She is an ambassador for Waves of Wellness, a mental health charity providing surf therapy for rehabilitation. Through Waves of Wellness, she has participated in and raised funds for initiatives such as Ducktober and Plank Up the Volume.

In addition to her work in the wellness and mental health space, Shontelle is also committed to making change through rugby league and culture.

With more than 20 years of experience playing sport at an elite level, she lends her time running rugby league clinics for female players in her local area.

A proud Samoan woman, Shontelle is passionate about making positive contributions to her culture. She has invested in upskilling and learning through several courses to advance her cultural awareness and become better equipped in how she can contribute to the Pasifika and Māori communities.

She became the first Pasifika and Maori host on NRL.com's NRLW panel shows, incorporating Samoan and Māori language into her presentation.

“Contributing to the community, inspiring others to go for their dreams whatever they are, and leaving a legacy are very important to me,” said Shontelle.

“I am in a very privileged position where I can reach a lot of people as an NRLW player.

“The impact elite athletes can have on the quality of life among the community is enormous, and I’m fortunate I have the opportunity to make contributions where I can.”

Shontelle Stowers nominated for Veronica White Medal

Parramatta Eels NRLW player Shontelle Stowers has been nominated for the 2023 Veronica White Medal in recognition of her tremendous contributions to the community.

www.parraeels.com.au

 

[mt.wellington]

Getting to know: Shontelle Stowers​

Wayne Cousins
Wed 3 Jul 2024, 10:49 am

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are fielding a Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership team for the first time in 2024.

We caught up with inaugural captain Shontelle Stowers to get to know more about her.

Player Profile​

Name: Shontelle Stowers
DOB: 14/11/1986
Birthplace: Tokoroa, NZ.
Position: Centre
Nickname: Shon, Shonny
What's your favorite rugby league memory growing up?
Watching my uncles and cousins play and being with all the family at the clubhouse afterwards
Who are your favourite rugby league players in NRL or NRLW?
I can't go past the GOAT, Ali Brigginshaw. Been through all the growth and contributed and driven women's rugby league from the start.
What does it mean to you to be part of the first Manly Harvey Norman’s Women’s team?
It's a foundation team, a timestamp in history of the women's game, and for the Northern Beaches, it will be there forever. It's huge and to be a part of it is a privilege. I have learnt to appreciate these moments at grass roots, understanding all great things come from them, our NRLW, and our international moments, all begin here with the clubs and the community.

Funniest team-mate?
Not sure yet, but I have a feeling Mia Holo, Kayla Eli, and Lavinia Tauhalaliku are picks for the future personalities
What are your goals this season?
To help grow the game of women's rugby league on the Northern Beaches and show what talent we have, and that we are an investment worth investing in. I want to share my knowledge and have fun playing rugby league. I want to enjoy everything about our community, players, management and the support we get.
Tell us about your family and any special achievements?
Healthy and happy wonderful nieces, nephew and family.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Beach and outdoors
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning
Coach Keith Hanley says:
"Shontelle has played in NRLW Grand Finals, State of Origin for NSW, and prior to that, had a really long history in rugby union, where she represented Australia. She is a person who sets high standards in terms of what she expects from team-mates and what that should look like. Shontelle exemplifies what we want to set for our team here at Manly.”

Getting to know: Shontelle Stowers

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are fielding a Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership team for the first time in 2024.

www.seaeagles.com.au