Chances are you’ve already seen the highlight reel try from a teenage fullback that sent the rugby league world into a spin, clocking up more than 15 million views online.
The one where the NSW under-19s fullback scoops up the ball inside her own in-goal, skips clear of the Queensland defence and goes 109 metres to score.
That was Jada Taylor, who is on the verge of making her debut for the Sydney Roosters as they look to cap off an unbeaten regular season when they face the Gold Coast Titans as part of a Central Coast triple-header on Sunday.
Taylor will start at fullback against a Titans outfit fighting to save their finals hopes, deputising for Sammy Bremner with the Roosters having all but secured the minor premiership.
The 19-year-old is reminded of that try every time she steps onto Leichhardt Oval for Roosters training. Now she has to pinch herself as she prepares to fill the boots of a Jillaroos fullback and play alongside two of her idols in Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis.
“I was a little bit shocked to be honest, we’ve got such a great veteran here [in Bremner], and she’ll hate me saying that, but she’s a legend of the game. To even get an opportunity to play is very special and I’m very grateful for it,” Taylor told Roosters TV.
Jada Taylor is poised to make her NRLW debut.Credit:NRL Photos
“She’s someone I’ve idolised since I was a little girl. She is the fullback that every fullback has ever wanted to be. To be able to even train with her and learn off her, I’m so grateful for it.
“Izzy and Jess, I’d just idolise them so much when I was young. To be able to get out there with them and have them protect me at the back is something I’m looking forward to. I know it’s a good opposition as well.
“[Titans fullback Evania Pelite] on the other side is also someone I’ve looked up to for a long time, so to have her there is pretty awesome too.”
Taylor is one of three new faces in Roosters coach John Strange’s side to face the Titans, joining winger Shannon Rose and bench forward Angelina Teakaraanga Katoa in the 17 on a landmark day for the competition.
All six teams will converge on Central Coast Stadium and remarkably, all six have a chance at featuring in the finals.
The Roosters, Newcastle and St George Illawarra are all locked into the top three spots on the ladder. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Parramatta are all vying for fourth – and the Eels are doing so despite a winless season so far.
Points differential is all that separates the Broncos and Titans. Should Brisbane beat Parramatta, the Gold Coast will need to stun the reigning premiers to secure a finals berth. The Eels will need to beat the Broncos by at least six points to revive their top four hopes in the opening game of the triple-header.
Then they would be relying on the Roosters to beat the Titans, joining the Taylor family in cheering for an emerging fullback Kelly believes is destined to shine on the big stage.
Jada Taylor has been tipped to shine for the Roosters.Credit:NRL Photos
“She’s obviously young and a very talented player. She’s going to be someone who is in the game for a long, long time,” Strange said.
“For me, it’s just been how she’s adapted to go from the under 19s into the women’s. She’s been really good, her attitude has been really good, she’s been willing to learn, and I really feel as though now she is ready to go at the highest level with these girls.
“It was also important to give Sammy a rest, she’s been one of the standout players in this competition and she has got a couple of niggles as well, so it worked out well to give Jada an opportunity. I know she’s ready for it.”
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