When Jada Taylor scooped up the ball inside her own in-goal and ran 109 metres to score during the under-19s Origin game last year, she became an internet sensation.
Footage of her stunning try clocked up more than 15 million views online and won her a host of high-profile fans including Andrew Johns and Greg Inglis.
But the 19-year-old is out to draw a line under her viral moment in the spotlight and forge a lasting rugby league career after signing a two-year deal with Cronulla for their inaugural NRLW season.
“I’m sort of getting over it [the try] in the sense that I think everyone else is probably getting over it,” Taylor said. “I don’t want that to be the highlight of my career. I want to make a lot more and hopefully have some bigger moments, as well.
“It’s still really special, and really boosted my career, but that’s not the end of it … If you do it once you can do it again, and that drive to keep trying to perform like that at an even higher like the NRLW would be absolutely awesome. Every time someone asks me about it, I always say that was under-19s, I’m with the big girls now.”
Taylor is no stranger to the NRLW scene, having made her debut last year with the Roosters. But with experienced stars like Samantha Bremner, Jessica Sergis and Isabelle Kelly ahead of her in the queue, she only started in one game.
Jada Taylor during the under-19s Origin game in 2022.Credit: NRL Photos
“I don’t think I would be half the player I am today if I didn’t have Roosters training last year,” Taylor said. “Just getting on the paddock with girls who are so talented, it makes you really rise to the occasion, and you have to be up to scratch, or you lose your spot. That’s how professional the women’s game is becoming, and you have to be able to withstand that.”
While jumping ship to a competition newcomer was a difficult decision to make, Taylor said the opportunity for regular game time ultimately made up her mind.
“I think was a little bit daunting, the move, not knowing the girls as well – obviously I had mates at the Roosters – but it just comes down to [that] I just really wanted to play football, and here is the best opportunity for me to play,” Taylor said.
“With the game growing so much, new girls coming in, I didn’t really want to sit behind someone again, and I just really wanted to come into the NRLW and make my spot.”
Taylor, originally from Tamworth, had interest from multiple clubs in the lead up to the 2023 season, but already had ties with the Sharks having taken up a job under their Deadly Choices program, educating indigenous kids on positive mental and physical health.
“The role is so rewarding, you get a kick out of it knowing that you’re helping people off the field,” Taylor said.
“I think that’s what makes me want to play even better because I have those people who are sort of looking up to me. It makes me want to be a better player and a better role model.”
The NRLW season will commence on July 22, with pre-season training beginning on May 29.
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
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