Jada Taylor is one of few New South Welshman that knows what it is like to win a State of Origin, lifting the Shield as well as the most valuable player award in the recent Oztag series.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Taylor was one of two Tamworth girls to head to St Patrician Brothers in Blacktown, after being selected for their respective NSW sides out of big State Cup performances in Tamworth earlier in the year.
Tahlia Tiberi was one of the U15s best, although unfortunately didn’t get to win the series, or lose it, with rain washing out the third game in the massive one day series.
The Maroons have come ahead in Oztag leaps and bounds over the last few years, and that was witnessed across all age groups with plenty of close games on the day.
Tiberi’s 15’s won the first game 3-2, before going down in the second 2-3 to set up a very evenly matched decider, although the infamously stormy Sydney weather struck hard that afternoon to abandon all deciding matches.
Taylor was already a winner by that stage and had found the line plenty to help the Blues U13s burst out of the blocks to inflict a 7-2 hiding in the opener before wrapping it up with a 6-4 victory in the second.
Taylor scored three tries in both matches on her way to the Most Valuable Player Award.
“That was my first time playing for New South Wales and I am so proud of that and the award,” Taylor said.
“I am really keen to play well and try and play again definitely.”
The young star took to the extra speed and pace of the next representative level well, leaving plenty of Queenslanders clutching air as she burst through the line for points.
“It is a bit harder and a bit faster so it is really good to play,” Taylor said.
Tiberi has been there before, playing for NSW in 2013, and also enjoys the lift in skill level and speed of the game.
“Everyone is so strong and playing at their peak for these games,” Tiberi said.
“There are no weak links in any team so every game is really tough.”
“I love it and am keen to go again next year.”
The girls mightn’t have to wait too long to match up against the best players in Australia again as the National Championships is just around the corner.
The Junior Nationals will be held in Coffs harbour for the third year straight over the weekend starting October 14.
The tournament attracted over 230 teams last year and is growing every season.
Tamworth’s contingent is also growing every year with a record nine sides attending last years championships across several age divisions.
