Versatility ain’t half bad

Burleigh prop slots into No.7 role for grand final

PROP to halfback is not a transition you see every day, especially when a premiership is on the line but it’s one Bears veteran Tallisha Harden has embraced with open arms.

The 26-year-old started in the front-row for Queensland in their 14-4 State of Origin loss to NSW six weeks ago but will don the No.7 jersey for Burleigh in their SEQ women’s division one grand final against West Brisbane today. It will mark her third ever game in the halves.

The first two came in the past fortnight after Tyler Birch succumbed to a knee injury.

Harden has taken to her new role like a duck to water, highlighted by her kick that led to Amber Pilley’s match-turning try in last weekend’s semifinal victory against Easts.

With ace five-eighth Zahara Temara running the show, Harden knows she doesn’t need to overplay her hand.

“It’s a challenge. It’s different to the role that I’m used to but in saying that, it’s something that I’m trying to learn as quickly as I can and whatever I have to do for the benefit of the team, I’m happy to do that,” she said.

“In our team especially over the last four or five weeks we have had to swap a couple of players around and cover for injuries. I have always been in the middle or out in the backline but I have never been a specialist half.”

Roy Leoni is standing in as coach with Tahnee Norris, who has overseen four straight titles, overseas on work commitments. That hasn’t stopped the Jillaroos legend from having her presence felt.

“It’s a shame that she can’t be there for the final but we have always got her in the back of our minds when we’re playing,” Harden said.

“If you make a mistake, you automatically turn to what Tahnee Norris has said to you at training.

“She has drilled it into us to be competitive and to play for each other and to really focus on defence.”