Foundation Cowboys halfback Tahlulah Tillett has fully embraced her position as a role model after she returned to where it all began at Kangaroos.
Tillett, former NRL playmaker Ray Thompson and the Cowboys programs team spent a few days in the Far North this week to connect with the next generation.
The main purpose of the trip was to deliver the Cowboys’ school-based attendance (Try For Five) and road safety programs (Try Time), and to pass on knowledge and “have fun” with junior footballers.
But for Tillett, it was a return to her junior club in front of numerous young girls who aspire to follow in the 24-year-old’s footsteps.
Foundation Cowboys NRLW player Tahlulah Tillett visited her junior club, Kangaroos, to run clinics for young female footballers. Picture: Facebook
“It’s pretty cool to be back home, this is where my footy career kicked off … it’s awesome being able to get back home and give back to the community here,” Tillett said.
Tillett was the only female junior when she signed up to play footy at Kangaroos all those years ago.
When she returned to Vico Oval, she had the Cowboys logo on her chest as a member of the inaugural NRLW North Queensland team.
Gold Stars halfback Tahlulah Tillett in possession during the BMD Premiership grand final in 2022. Picture: Vanessa Hafner / QRL
“Definitely, it makes it that bit more special seeing all these young girls down here,” Tillett said.
“(It’s) them knowing there’s now a pathway for them here in North Queensland and that one day they could represent the NRLW Cowboys team.
“It’s really special to come back here and be more of a role model for them.”
Thompson was born in Cairns, moved to Townsville at a young age and went on to play 111 NRL games for the Cowboys.
The halfback and Cowboys programs manager said he loved returning to the Far North to not only spread the rugby league gospel but to impart knowledge on the community.
Tahlulah Tillett has signed a one-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys inaugural NRLW side. Picture: Cowboys
“It’s about having fun with the game I grew up loving,” Thompson said.
“Any time we can use my profile or brand to promote something positive, we love that. We understand not every likes rugby league and not everyone likes the Cowboys, and we get that and understand that but the more we can come here and help people have a positive engagement with our brand, that’s what we’re about.
“Often we get locked in Townsville but it’s important for guys like myself and Tilly who are from Cairns to really share the message, the program, and take the club across the whole of North Queensland.”
WATCH THE PAYNE CUP
The stakes don’t get much higher than what’s in store in the Payne Cup this week.
Mackay State High and St Augustine’s will battle it out, with all the points, and a likely finals berth, on the line in round three of the Payne Cup.
Saints’ Abu-John Myr tries to beat a Holy Spirit College defender. Picture: Evan Morgan
Meanwhile, Trinity Bay might be winless after the opening two rounds of the Payne Cup, but Ignatius Park College are adamant they won’t be taking their opposition lightly.
You can watch every game of the Payne Cup which is exclusively livestreamed by KommunityTV.
THE SCHEDULE
Tuesday
St Patrick’s College v Kirwan SHS
10am: Payne Cup, 11.15am: Cowboys Challenge
Watch here
Mackay SHS v St Augustine College
11am: Cowboys, 12.15pm: Payne Cup
Watch here
Ignatius Park College v Trinity Bay SHS
2pm: Cowboys, 3.15pm: Payne Cup
Watch here
Thursday
Holy Spirit College v Mareeba SHS
1.30pm: Cowboys, 2.45pm: Payne Cup
Watch here
IMPENDING HEADACHE FOR IVANHOES
Ivanhoes wound back the clock with a retro jersey to celebrate the 90s in their big win against Mareeba.
Knights’ Andrew Stott is mobbed after crossing for his first A-grade try of the season. Picture: Brendan Radke
The Knights ran amok Smithfield Sporting Complex in their Daikyo-emblazoned strip, scoring nine-tries-to-three to put an end to Mareeba’s winning ways.
And it featured the club debut of Aggie Gibuma, who has followed Matthew in making the move from Mossman – and one that will only further strengthen the Knights as they chase a premiership in a season they celebrate 100 years.
Matthew Gibuma has the reputation as a lethal tryscorer but Aggie is just as adept, and is potentially faster.
Knights’ Aggie Gibuma gets past the Gladiators defence. Picture: Brendan Radke
It leaves coach Lindsay Styles with a few selection headaches moving forward.
Marquee signing Josh Dugan sat out Sunday’s win against Mareeba but should slot back into fullback, while young gun Beau Hodges has barely put a foot wrong on the left wing.
Dallas Skardon is Ivanhoes’ best centre when fit, with Andrew Stott, Kelly Valmadre and Will Messa all solid.
Aggie scored twice in his club debut, with Matthew also grabbing one.
SUBURBS HAVING A DIG
It’s been a tough season for Southern Suburbs but the players should be commended for their commitment to the cause.
Suburbs are yet to register a win across the three senior grades after a combined 26 games, with A-grade the only one of those sides to have recorded 100 points this year.
The players, coaches and committee are doing their utmost to keep the Cockatoos in the competition, and when that win comes it will do wonders for the club. It could be worse, but fingers crossed Suburbs’ fortunes turn around.
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