FOR Haylie Turner, running on with Greater Northern Tigers against Riverina Bulls in the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup at Singleton last weekend was a nerve-wracking experience – for the first few minutes, anyway.

“Having all the girls together made me keen to have a run, and as soon as I got my first tackle, my nerves settled and I was able to focus on getting the win,” Haylie smiled.

And that’s exactly what the Tigers 17s girls did – they surged away with a commanding 28-12 win.

The game was next-level for the girl who cut her teeth in Moree Giants ladies league tag before progressing to last year’s ground-breaking Group 4 ladies tackle competition.

“I was basically going in blind. I saw familiar faces from opposing teams but I hadn’t played alongside any of them on the same team,” she said.

Moree’s Haylie Turner is still trying to get her head around being selected to play in the Lisa Fiaola Cup.

Hayley played on the wing, a position that doesn’t generally feature on her stats sheet.

“That’s not normally where I would be. I’m usually hooker or half-back, but I’ve enjoyed trying new field positions as well,” she said.

Hayley played the game of her life at Singleton, and backs up again on Saturday at Lithgow’s Tony Luchetti Sportsground against the Western Rams.

She’s still trying to get her head around being selected to play in the Lisa Fiaola Cup, named after a pioneering Australian dual-international who represented the Wallaroos in rugby union and the Jillaroos in rugby league.

“I was literally so excited when I got selected,” Haylie grinned.

“I wasn’t sure I’d make the cut, because I’m pretty little and there’s a lot of talent out there.

“When I got the call I was speechless – I didn’t believe it was true.

“I’ve been working so hard to prove to myself I could do it, and even when people doubted me I kept going,” she said.

Haylie, who next week starts Year 11 at Moree Secondary College, doesn’t sit idle when not on the rugby league paddock.

She works part-time for her mentor, Danielle McMechan, at Delo Café and also plays rugby union and Aussie Rules.

When not on Boughton or Weebollahbollah Ovals playing footy, she’s involved in dance, netball and gymnastics.

Haylie credits her grandmother, Sharon Dixon, as the key driver behind her emerging rugby league career.

“Nan Shaz wanted to see me move into footy. She must have thought I was going to do well. When she passed, I wanted to keep going and make her proud,” Haylie said.

“I remember mucking around with my cousins and playing typical backyard footy. I just loved it.”

Also giving Haylie inspiration – on and off the footy field – is Pallamallawa NRLW star Rhiannon Byers, who plays with Cronulla Sutherland Sharks.

“I often find myself looking to Rhiannon because she comes from out this way. I’ve been lucky enough to have some chats with her about footy,” Haylie said.

“Rhiannon is always giving back to her community and that’s what I want to do. It isn’t always about the game; you need to remember where you come from.

“If I can make it far with my footy, I want to come back and make a difference in Moree, too.

“I look up to all women who play and I want the women’s NRL to grow. I want to see more girls like me, coming from small towns, making it in the big smoke,” she said.

And while she looks up to role models like Rhiannon Byers, Haylie hopes to forge her own following as well. She wants to make a difference.

“I have three younger sisters who I hope will look up to me one day and be able to accomplish whatever they want in life,” Haylie said.

“I want to set a good example for them, too.”

Haylie Turner in action last year at Moree Giants’ junior girls tackle.

Haylie, 16, began playing rugby league about six years ago. She travels to Tamworth most weekends to train with the Tigers’ squad and has big plans for 2026.

“I’ve been involved in footy for as long as I can remember,” she said.

“I was maybe 10 or 11 when I started playing girls’ league tag and I also played with the girls in the first tackle team for Moree. That was a great experience.

“I’m hoping to play some hometown league with the Giants and union with the Bulls this year after the Northern Tigers finals,” she said.

She also plans to finish Years 11 and 12 at Moree Secondary College.

“I’d like to go to university to study nursing, particularly midwifery when I finish school,” she said.

But first, she’s got a game at Lithgow against the Western Rams on Saturday to get through.

“I wouldn’t be able to do this without all the support I have,” Haylie said.

“It takes a lot. I can’t drive yet, so I have to rely on plenty of help to get around. I am so thankful for everyone who’s put in the hard work with me, especially Danielle.

“Maybe I’ll be able to give them all some NRLW tickets one day to watch me play on the big screen,” she grinned.

Video highlights from round one of the Lisa Fiaola Cup HERE.

Words and Photos: Bill Poulos