Rising Star

Sydney Roosters fullback Ms Jada Taylor (2021) lit the Australian sporting world on fire in June with a 109-metre try that attracted 1.7 million online views across the world.

Rising rugby star Ms Jada Taylor says her father knew she was fast from the get-go. “Dad was my original motivation,” she says. “I was playing league with the Dungowan Cowboys alongside my older brother by the time I was five and getting smashed! Dad played too and is still faster than me today.”

Jada’s explosive speed led to her acceleration into the Sydney Roosters National Rugby League Women’s team in August, and the moniker ‘electric fullback’. The promotion, at just 19 years of age, followed her 109-metre try in the 54th minute of the Under 19’s Women’s State of Origin match against Queensland in June.

Described by sports commentators as ‘absolutely insane’ and a ‘try for the ages,’ it not only sealed the match, but earned Jada the Nat Dwyer Medal, and attracted 1.7 million views online. Jada is characteristically low-key about the fuss, preferring to focus on what is really important to her:

“All my Wenona friends came to the game – they are friends for life. They sat with my family. It was so special,” she says.

Now Jada has star status in her hometown of Tamworth, which she left at the age of 15, to board at Wenona in Year 10. “It was very hard to move away from everything I knew. I had no family in Sydney and had not been to the city many times. We really leaned on each other in the Boarding House – we became so close and COVID-19 brought us closer. I absolutely loved it.”

With her sights set on a career in sports after finishing School, Jada suffered a major setback in her senior years at Wenona, which required two shoulder reconstructions with an extensive recovery period. “I was so frustrated. Part of the reason I had moved away from home was to play sport. The fact that I may not make it did cross my mind.” Jada credits her resilience and drive to return to rugby to her tightknit family and supportive boarding friends.

Talented and skilful, Jada has made a success of both rugby codes, which is a rarity. Playing Rugby Sevens for Randwick Magic and rugby league for the Sydney Roosters in Year 12, opened the door to exciting opportunities.

She now trains every night of the week, not only for the Roosters but as a member of the NSW Women’s Waratahs squad. “I love everything about playing rugby. The travel, the team bonding, the games. We get fantastic press coverage and a lot of support.”

During the precious time she has off the field, Jada is studying primary education at university and working as a Student Learning Support Officer at Maroubra Junction Public School. “It is so rewarding to be around the kids and see them do well.”

Jada’s future hopes include debuting for the NRLW and representing Australia in either code. “I am still a developing player and am very happy to be where I am.” Her advice to young aspiring players is to simply give it a go. “Get involved in any way you can. Acquire skills that are transferrable between sports. Get seen. Get picked. If I hadn’t got involved to see where it would take me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

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