Tough call looms for wanted Zahara

GOLD COAST dual-code sensation Zahara Temara faces a career-defining decision this week, with the young gun caught in a tug-of-war between rugby league and rugby union.

The in-demand 20-year-old plays for both the Australian Jillaroos and Queensland Reds, but may have to pick just one in what is a groundbreaking year for women of the two sports.

Temara is in the Reds squad ahead of the inaugural Super W season next month, but is also in line to pick up one of 40 paid NRL contracts this week.

The contract — a first in rugby league — will make Temara a semi-professional athlete, while Super W is considered amateur, with payments not earned until they reach the Wallaroos level.

Because she will be semiprofessional, Temara would not be able to play Super W if she is offered — and accepts — a contract, due to schedule conflicts and a heavy workload.

And while it will be a tough decision for the exciting young prospect to make, Temara says rugby league was her first love.

“I’ll miss my rugby and I’ll miss the girls ... It’s good to have options but it’s going to be a hard decision,” she said.