MOREE junior rugby league superstar Haylie Turner makes her debut with the Greater Northern Tigers 17s girls tackle team today in the Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup against Riverina Bulls at Pirtek Park, Singleton.

Haylie was selected from scores of players from across the region, and takes her place on the wing.

Haylie’s mentor, Danielle McMechan, is at today’s game.

“Haylie has worked unbelievably hard to get to where she is,” Danielle said.

“She is juggling work, school and footy and trains on her days off, and travels hours each weekend.

“Haylie  has shown how strong she is, not only physically but mentally, proving that if you really want something, hard work will make it happen.

“Coming from a small community, there isn’t a lot of opportunities. Lots of the girls on the team have played together and know each other, while Haylie has gone in on her own and had to prove herself. “She wants to show other young girls from rural towns that anything is possible.

“Haylie is so proud of who she is and what she has already accomplished at her age – not only for herself, but for Moree as well,” Danielle said.

Moree Giants club president Steve Cory said Haylie’s section is great news for junior rugby league in Moree.

“It’s great to see another Moree Giants player to get picked For the Greater Northern Tigers,” Cory said.

“Haylie came through league tag to now be playing in the girls tackle team.

“Last year, Moree Giants opted to ditch league tag in the Group 19 competition and go to girls tackle in Group 4.

“Last year was the first season for girls tackle in our region, and we are starting to reap the rewards with one of our own making the Greater Northern girls team.

“It’s great to see Haylie make this team and it’s another big tick for our club.

“Her selection shows that playing rugby league creates opportunities, and to see three of our local kids make Greater Northern teams shows that our club is going in the right direction,” he said.

Also playing today are Moree Giants Marley Swan and Brodie Schutt, both selected for the Greater Northern Tigers under-16s Andrew Johns Cup side.

Haylie Turner scores a try at the Moree Giants first round of girls’ tackle games at Boughton Oval last year.

THE 2026 NSWRL junior representatives season kicks off today with a Regional Magic Round, showcasing 13 games from three regional New South Wales competitions across three different venues. The magic round featured matches from the Under-18s SLE Laurie Daley Cup, Under-17s Westpac Regional Lisa Fiaola Cup and Under-16s SLE Andrew Johns Cup at three venues – David Campese Oval and Seiffert Oval in Canberra, and Pirtek Park at Singleton.

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said the pathways competitions always play a crucial role in the development of rugby league players.

“There have been plenty of players come before going on to pursue successful careers,” Trodden said.

“We now have a record number of teams competing this season with the game continuing to expand with the inclusion of Melbourne Storm in our female competitions for the first time for the Westpac Tarsha Gale Cup and Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup.

“The Regional Magic Round is a great way to kick-off our junior representatives competitions next year and I look forward to watching the next generation of talent in action.”