Cracking codes

ZAHARA Temara maintains she is fast-tracking her development by playing both rugby league and rugby union but concedes the juggling act is getting tougher.

Temara (pictured) has for years balanced the two codes but through a combination of her own progress and that of women’s sport in Australia, the Gold Coaster is in the spotlight more than most.

This year she nabbed one of the NRL’s 40 women’s elite contracts but today will hop over to the 15-a-side game to try to inspire Queensland in their shot at the inaugural Super W premiership.

Temara has been named at flyhalf in what will be her first starting jersey of the tournament as Queensland take on an undefeated NSW at Allianz Stadium from 4.45pm.

While pumped about the boom in opportunities for female footballers, Temara said it had brought challenges for cross-code players.

“Last year it wasn’t really an issue, I could play both, but this year with the NRL contracts coming out and the Super W, it’s a big juggle for me,” she said. “I think union helps me with league and league helps me with union but it’s exciting the stuff that is coming out for women’s sport.”

Coach Michael Hayes explained Temara’s selection in the decider as the 20-year-old being able to add “a point of difference in our attack”.

Temara admitted her lack of game time was not ideal.

“I’m a bit nervous about that but we had training (on Wednesday) night and the girls have confidence in me,” she said.

“Me and (Lavinia Gould), the other flyhalf who is now going to be at No.9 … I love kicking and she is a good talker and controls it quite well.”