CQU pair score big to make Australian Universities Rugby League squads

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity Education students Prue Peters and Heath Bethel are kicking major goals in the classroom and on the football field, with the pair making the 2026 Australian Universities Rugby League squads.

The men’s and women’s sides were announced at the completion of the recent Interstate Challenge and the two Bachelor of Education (Secondary) students are already very excited about heading to Fiji later this year for the competition.

The Interstate Challenge was the third time Prue has represented the Queensland Universities side, but 2026 will be the first time the Australian women’s side will tour internationally and compete against other countries. 

“I was fortunate enough to be part of the inaugural Queensland Universities women’s team that played against the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII,” she said.

“I was selected again the following year for the first official interstate match. Unfortunately, injury ruled me out before that game, so being able to return this year and earn selection again was really special.”

Prue is in the third year of her degree which she has been able to study online while pursuing her goals on the football field.

“The flexibility of online study has allowed me to continue my degree while moving interstate to pursue my rugby league career, as well as balancing work commitments alongside rugby league,” she said.

“I chose teaching because I genuinely enjoy working with young people and building positive relationships with students. 

“I was lucky enough to have several teachers who made a significant impact on my high school years. They were supportive, understanding and patient, particularly when it came to balancing school with the commitments I had outside of the classroom."

She said once she completes her degree, she hopes to work as a physical education teacher while continuing her involvement in rugby league. She currently works as a Learning Support Officer at Westfields Sports High School in Western Sydney.

“My goal is to continue pushing myself and hopefully earn an opportunity in the NRLW. I’m currently playing NSW Women’s Premiership with Mounties Rugby League and I’ve also had the opportunity to train within the pathways system at Canberra Raiders NRLW level, which has been an amazing experience as the Raiders are a club I have always aspired to play for,” she said.

Heath said it felt “amazing” to make the Australian squad – given it was his first time ever representing his state at any level.

“I have a lot of pride for my country and rugby league, so to be able to represent my country doing what I love makes me very happy,” he said.

“Being one of only a few people from CQU in the interstate challenge made me feel very proud of what we were able to achieve." 

Currently in his first year of study Heath hopes to continue teaching at Kirwan State High School where he works as a teacher aide.

“I currently am involved in coaching the Grade 8 team there, which is very enjoyable to watch them develop their skills and help them to just be better people overall,” he said.

“Obviously I would love to take my footy to the next level if an opportunity came up, but I am happy with where I am at the moment.” 

Heath also acknowledged CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Entry Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program which helped him prepare for his degree.

“I didn't do ATAR while in school, so being able to do my STEPS course helped me get into my Bachelor of Education,” he said.