Elanora State High School is possibly better known for its leading roles in theatrical productions rather than leadership roles in rugby teams, but Jemma Bemrose was never perturbed.
It was there the now 24-year-old rugby star took a first taste of a game that would become her life.
Inspired by the Rugby 7s at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, she quickly went from dabbling in touch footy, to testing herself in tackle.
A few short years on and the highly respected Bond University Bull Sharks flanker has been selected by her teammates to skipper the Queensland Reds ahead of the Swyftx Super Rugby Women's season.
The 24-year-old led the Reds onto the field as captain on the weekend in a trial game against Fijian Drua.
It was shaping as a tough baptism - the fast and physical Drua raced to significant 26-5 half time lead.
But the Reds steadied, and with the benefit of a strong breeze, they surged to a last-ditch win courtesy of a late Bemrose try.
“To finish like that in the second half definitely gives us confidence going into Round One at home here at Ballymore,” Bemrose said.
“We said at half-time that we had to trust each other and better build our phases because the tries we were conceding were off the back end of our errors.”
It was a solid hit out against a strong opposition, one that should hold the Reds in good stead ahead of their Super-W season opener against the ACT Brumbies next weekend.
The 24-year-old - a disability support worker when she’s not playing rugby - says she's relishing leadership.
“It’s a pretty good feeling to be selected into such an important role by your peers,” she said.
“I co-captained last year and I know a made little mistakes along the way, but I also know I’m starting to find my leadership voice.”
“It’s so special to know my teammates trust me and see something in me as a leader.”
Although her Reds commitments keep Premier Rugby at arm’s length for the early part of the season, Bemrose said she was particularly grateful for her seven successful years at Bond.
“Bond is like a family to me,” she said.
“The coaches have been such consistent presence in my life – people like Lawrence [Faifua] and now Setu [Naseri].
“I’ve played in each of our four straight premiership wins, and I’ve made so many important connections at the Bull Sharks.
“We’ve been through so much together.”
It’s those kinds of links that keep Bemrose motivated to be the best she can be in a sport she loves.
“The game inspires so many incredible friendships among so many different kinds of people,” she said.
“That diversity is one of the great things about rugby.
“It’s a place that is naturally inclusive - people of different sizes, skill sets and personalities.”
The Reds, runners up in the Super W last season, have a clear goal in 2026 according to their captain elect.
“Go one better,” she said. “That’s pretty much it.”
The Reds host the ACT Brumbies at Ballymore next Sunday. Kick-off is at 1.05pm.