Simaima Taufa is arguably the biggest name in women’s rugby league right now.
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The softly spoken 24-year-old is the reigning Female Dally M Player of the Year, a World Cup winner and, in the toughest position on the field, the no-nonsense prop produced Taumalolo-ian numbers – 22 runs, 182 metres, 29 tackles – during the inaugural women’s State of Origin match last month, a game the NSW Blues emerged victorious.
Having signed with the Roosters to be part of the Sydney glamour club’s tilt at the inaugural women’s NRL premiership in September, Taufa is preparing for international footy at the end of the season while also lifting her club side, Mounties, to second on their competition ladder.
She’s as busy as any female athlete in the game.
But that doesn’t stop her from getting out and helping the next generation of women’s rugby league stars begin to blaze their own trail to the top.
Hopefully we’re giving them something to aspire to in the future.
- Simaima Taufa
“Seeing the smiles on the faces on all of these kids is what it’s all about,” Taufa said at during the Juniors to Jillaroos clinic at Wade Park on Tuesday.
“It’s crazy busy but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Over 100 school girls from across the western region took part in the clinic, with the bulk of them currently league tag players.
Taufa didn’t play league tag growing up, much like Orange’s Jillaroos star Vanessa Foliaki.
Both played rugby union before reaching the top of their respective games in the 13-a-side code and Taufa is confident the pathway is now clear enough for young girls in the country to one day be able to represent at the highest level, too.
“It’s exciting … this is what we want it to become, (girls) participating and getting a go,” she said looking around at the girls taking part in the clinic. “Hopefully we’re giving them something to aspire to in the future.”