Gloucester's Tayla Predebon played in the biggest game of her fledgling rugby league career when she was named as prop for the NSW Country women's team to play City at Bankwest Stadium last Saturday.
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Although it's not the first time she's been named on a country squad, this was a much bigger deal as it was a chance for players to impress selectors before the NSW team for the State of Origin clash against Queensland is chosen.
Speaking to her before she went into training camp in Sydney on Wednesday May 12, Tayla admitted she was nervous but excited at the chance of taking on the City team.
After several years playing rugby league in Newcastle and the Central Coast, she's started to feel a bit more comfortable in her position.
"I'm more confident in my role. The nerves are still there but not as bad as they used to be," Tayla said.
She kicked off another season with the Central Coast Roosters in the starting line up after getting her first shot in the spot July last year. As one of the front rowers for the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Rugby League Premiership competition, Tayla has been settling to get into her groove.
"I wasn't playing to be picked, I was just playing to enjoy footy," Tayla said.
She may have been taken a little by surprise but she's grabbing into the opportunity with both hands.
"I'm just going to give it my all and enjoy playing," Tayla said.
Tayla joined the 17 other women named on Thursday May 6 to the open women's age country squad. The squad were set to train from Wednesday until game-day with the match kicking off at 2.30pm. Tayla was one of eight players from the Central Coast Roosters side in the game.
However, City proved too strong in the clash, defeating Country 40-16. Tayla was reportedly among Country's best.
NSW State of Origin coach Kylie Hilder from Forster said the game would be used as a form guide for selection of the State squad.
"I have an idea but it's not firm, I always like to keep my options open," Hilder said.
"The best people who are playing in their positions will be the ones selected.''