The Pirates' star played a prominent role in the triumph too, scoring the try to seal their 22-10 victory over UTS in the final in Sydney.

They had earlier pipped Moree product Ash Walker's Newcastle University side 12-10 in their semi-final, a crucial turnover from Piper Duck ensuring the Lionesses go through to the final.

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A standout in the New England competition last season, Nielsen has been training with the squad since the start of the year, travelling down from Tamworth to Sydney to train with them of a Tuesday night until recently when she made the move to Sydney.

She has been itching to have a crack at the sevens series and was impressive for the Lionesses over the weekend, notably scoring a double in their Round 2 win over Canberra.

For the first, she showed a fast pair of heels to slice up the Canberra defence. Not long after she was in again from a crisp pass from Wallaroos fullback Lori Cramer.

Nielsen wasn't the only member of Pirates' victorious side last season in action over the weekend with Phoebe McLoughlin suiting up for Bond University.

They are in Pool A and played in Brisbane.

Part of the UNE Lions' 2018 and 2019 campaigns (they have been replaced by Newcastle Uni), McLoughlin helped Bond secure bronze.

Pirates' player player the last two years, she scored their opening try in the bronze play-off as they went on to beat Adelaide 26-20.

The second Regional Round will be held on April 10 and 11 in Surfers Paradise (Pool A) and Newcastle (Pool B).

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