Jada Taylor has come a long way since breaking the internet.
More than 15 million online views and a 109-metre try for the ages tend to attract attention.
“Oi,” she yells across the paddock to the Indigenous icon. “Apparently you gave me a rap? I’m claiming that!”
“Me and GI, we’re besties now. At least I think we are,” Taylor chirps as she resumes her interview with the Herald.
Still just 19 and a few days into her first Indigenous All Stars camp, Taylor has been drifting in from her wing, calling plays from first receiver and making herself heard night and day, according to her teammates.
It’s a far cry from last year, when Andrew Johns popped up in her messages congratulating her on the show-stopping try for the NSW Under-19 Origin side that put her on the rugby league map last year.
All smiles: Greg Inglis in Indigenous All Stars camp.Credit:NRL Imagery
Taylor left the Eighth Immortal on seen for half a day because she was too nervous to reply. No such issues with Greg Inglis, who has indeed given Taylor a rap.
“She’s got really good pace and a turn of foot,” Inglis says. “The women’s game has come such a long way and it’s great to watch with players like Jada, and I love the pathway being created for female coaches too.
“They’re not shy, these girls, they’ll give their opinions and encourage each other and this is such an important camp for that. It’s important because it’s great exposure and these ladies here, they’re the example for the next generation coming through.”
Inglis’ genuine buy-in to the women’s game means the world to the Indigenous side, not least Taylor.
Jada Taylor takes flight in Rotorua.Credit:NRL Imagery
The Queensland legend’s mentor role has seen him take the likes of Taylor and Jillaroos flyer Jaime Chapman aside for a pointer or two when he sees fit.
“We’ve got a move on the field named after him now because he talked me through how to find a bit more space for myself,” Taylor says.
“That was pretty cool, and I couldn’t really believe I was getting coached by one of my favourite players ever.”
The girls have in turn invited Inglis in to watch their war cry and cultural dance practices – a “humbling” offer he says he would’ve been too apprehensive to take up just a few years ago “because that’s women’s business”.
“Someone like GI, he doesn’t have to give you the time of day,” Taylor explains. “So when someone like him does, it means so much. The girls can be overlooked so to have him here with us showing our game respect, it creates that respect for us from everyone else too. That’s why it’s so good having him with us.
“He’s such a positive influence and I’m such a massive fan too, he’s just legend. He’s a lot bigger in person, I was a bit scared to go up to him at the airport and get a selfie, but we’re besties now.”
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