In love with the contest

Cross-code couple find common ground on the training paddock

COUPLES who train together stay together.

At least that’s the motto of Gold Coast sporting power couple Jacqui Yorston and Tanah Boyd, both 19, who play for the Suns and Titans respectively.

The two have been dating since late 2018 and moved to the Gold Coast early this year to pursue their professional sporting careers. While Yorston and the Suns AFLW season has already come to an end, the hope of a May 28 NRL resumption miracle means the couple has combined on the training track to ensure Boyd is fit and ready to play when the time finally comes.

“When we got that May 28 deadline, it gave us a bit of light at end of the tunnel,” Boyd said.

“Even before that, I was motivated to keep training as hard as I could because I’m still trying to make a name for myself in the league.

“We’ve all been given programs

so she (Yorston) comes along and we go through it together but I’ve been trying to get into a routine.”

After the AFLW season concluded, Yorston had plans to have a few weeks’ break from playing before launching into the QAFLW season

with the Yeronga Devils. Instead, she’s taken on a new role as her boyfriend’s running rival.

“I’m unbelievably competitive and I hate losing but when it comes to running, I’m always going to lose to Tanah,” Yorston said.

“He’s a full-time athlete and I’m part-time but I will always hate losing so my goal is to get fitter but it’ll probably take me about seven years to beat him.

“I don’t really need to be training right now but I’m lucky he’s so motivated.

“He’s still preparing for a season so he’s like ‘come on wake up’ and we go and train.”

The pair have even set up a basic at-home gym and Boyd has taken it upon himself to teach Yorston how to surf after she was stood down from her job in the Suns’ partnerships team.

But at least for now, the rugby league ball has emerged as the training apparatus of choice.

“I’m getting better but I couldn’t even get it to spin at the start,” Yorston said.

“He’s still in season and has a lot of different kicks he’s got to practise so I’ve just got to kick it back.

“I’ve got a new respect for rugby league kickers.”

Boyd has also been balancing training with an online business course and a newfound appreciation of cycling.

“The lycra and sunnies are a good look,” the halfback joked.