Deadly Cricket Celebrated In NAIDOC Week

While the likes of Albert Henry, Eddie Gilbert, Edna Crouch and Mabel Campbell were early Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trailblazers, Queensland has set a high-achieving standard in more recent times.

Earlier this year, cricket.com.au writer Adam Burnett outlined the proud history of Queensland’s Indigenous cricketers performing at the Imparja Cup and more recently the National Indigenous Cricket Championships.

The legacy from those Queensland teams has inspired similar successes for the State’s female Indigenous cricketers, with a national title and finals appearances in the past five years.

The leadership and skills displayed by Christina Coulson, a proud Kaurareg woman, as a player have been a feature of Queensland’s modern-day success.

The 29-year-old allrounder has captained Queensland and Australia and is now preparing for her next challenge.

Coulson informed her teammates that she would retire from playing at the end of the NICC in Yuwibara/Mackay in April, following a career that has spanned more than 18 years.

She was player of the tournament in 2025, captained the team to their historic maiden title in 2023, and finished her career by being named in the NICC Team of the Tournament.

While her playing career has reached its conclusion, Coulson, who is a physiotherapist, has set her sights on moving into the coaching ranks after working as the Valley club’s Jodie Purves second grade Shield women’s coach last year.

She will be firmly in contention for a role with the Queensland Indigenous women’s team which competes in the NICC in Mackay in 2027, as the State chases another 'Deadly" outcome for its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson, who also serves as Co-Chair along with Jason Smith of the QC First Nations Cricket Advisory Committee, praised Coulson’s contributions to cricket.

“Christina has excelled both as a player on the field, and also as a leader and mentor off the field to inspire the next generation of female Indigenous players,’’ he said.

“We congratulate her on an outstanding career and thank her for her dedication with Queensland and Australia,” Svenson said.

Coulson is pictured with former Queensland Indigenous Women's coach Ash Renouf following the team's 2023-24 championship win.

Brisbane Airport supports Queensland Cricket in efforts relating to Indigenous Health & Well Being. This includes being an official partner of the Queensland's Women's Indigenous Team (NICC Tournament), as well as the Queensland Cricket Foundation - of which Indigenous Health & Well Being is a key pillar.