You often hear people say your team is like a group of sisters, but many can’t relate to actually having theirs by their side on the pitch.
As the Seagulls gear up for their season opener against the CQ Capras, all eyes are on Elliston sisters Jessika and Georgia, who are set to make their mark in the 2023 BMD Premiership season on either side of the front row.
Jessika Elliston, a seasoned Queensland Origin player, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Seagulls squad. Her leadership and skill on the field are second to none, and having her as a teammate is undoubtedly a huge advantage for her little sister, Georgia.
The sisters are each other’s biggest fans but can also be each other’s biggest critics. For Jessika, being able to share her passion and knowledge of rugby league with her younger sister has been a thrill. “It’s been really cool, and to be able to talk footy with her has been great,” she said. “But I think it actually kills her to listen to me and take my advice… like I know what I’m doing, ok!” Jessika added jokingly.
As a Queensland Origin player, Jessika has faced some of the toughest competition in the game, and although she has had some setbacks through injury, Jess has emerged as a better player time and time again. Her experience and expertise are sure to rub off on her little sister, and it will be exciting to see how Georgia progresses through the season.
It all started with a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) for Georgia, the younger sister, as she watched her friends thrive in rugby league while she clung to playing rugby union. But when coaches Lawrance and Lam approached her with a comment, the decision to switch codes was made.
Jess, Georgia’s sister, recalls the moment. “She was nervous about the switch from union to league, but the coaches showed genuine interest in her, watched her train, and saw how strong she is. But what tipped her was when they said they couldn’t guarantee her any playing time. That set her off, and she was instantly set on proving them wrong and making the squad.”
Georgia’s drive to succeed is undeniable, and her decision to join the Seagulls squad is a testament to that. However, Georgia is still very humble, and she didn’t expect to make the starting team so soon.
“I honestly had the plan to drive up myself just as a spectator – it’s on my bucket list to see the Turtles hatch, and I was going to do all that, but this is a better plan,” said Georgia, reflecting on when she found out she’d made the starting team.
Head coaches Lawrance and Lam knew what they were getting into when they welcomed both sisters into the squad. Growing up with siblings often means combining fun and adventure with the constant need to one-up each other, and in sports, these traits are only enhanced. But for the Seagulls, having both sisters on the field is a surefire way to trouble their opponents.
“Jess is super protective over me.” Said Georgia “I’m not worried about how we will play together; I’m more worried about what she will do to the opposition if anything happens to me.”
With their sibling connection and drive to succeed, there’s no doubt that they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
Jessika’s last remarks were, “If she’s not an egg, she’ll be fine.”
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