Redcliffe Dolphins’ Raewyn Olomalii and Deleni Paitai have been selected in Queensland’s Under 18 Emerging Squad after strong seasons in junior competitions.
Putting In The Hard Work
Raewyn Olomalii has earned a reputation for her consistency and determination on the field. As a dummy half, she leads from the centre of the action with sharp passing and solid defence. Those close to her say she’s known for putting her head down and working until the final whistle.
Olomalii helped guide Australia to a 14–4 win over Papua New Guinea during their October tour with steady decision-making and strong defence. She also contributed to Queensland’s national schoolgirls title and has been a regular in the Dolphins’ program. Coaches view her as a smart, reliable leader who performs without needing attention.
A Powerful Presence Out Wide
Deleni Paitai plays in the centres and is known for her physical style and aggressive ball running. In the early rounds of the 2024 Mal Meninga Cup, she caught attention with a two-try performance and a string of tackle busts, showing defenders just how hard she is to stop.
Paitai’s strength, footwork and awareness have made her a standout performer for Redcliffe. Her selection in the Emerging Squad confirms her rise through the ranks. Coaches describe her as hardworking, focused and consistently reliable on the field.
Eyes On The future
The Under 18 Emerging Girls’ Squad is a stepping stone in the QRL’s player development system, helping young talent transition into higher-level footy. Players take part in high-performance training camps led by experienced coaches and gain exposure to the structures of elite rugby league.
Olomalii and Paitai are part of a two-day Emerging Squad camp at North Lakes from 24 to 25 May. Their selection highlights growing opportunities for girls in rugby league and the role clubs like Redcliffe play in that development. As pathways expand, players like them are helping shape the future of the women’s game.
Community Pride
The success of Redcliffe Dolphins juniors in state and national teams speaks to the wider community behind them. From grassroots volunteers to school mentors and club coaches, there’s a shared belief in giving young players the tools to succeed.
Seeing local names like Olomalii and Paitai achieve on bigger stages brings pride to the Dolphins community and gives younger players someone to look up to. Their achievements show what’s possible when talent is backed by effort, support and opportunity.
Published 20-May-2025