Tillett primed for Gold Stars
HER first NRLW season didn’t go to plan but Tahlulah Tillett is back in Gold Stars colours and determined to lead the North Queensland team to the BHD Premiership.
The Moa Island product played her first game of the new season for the Gold Stars last week, steering them to a 40-22 win against Burleigh Bears, the team which ended their title hopes last year.
Since that devastating loss to end last year’s campaign, Tillett has trained and played with the Newcastle Knights in her first season of the NRLW.
Tillett was on the cusp of featuring in the inaugural NRLW but back-to-back serious injuries put a stop to those dreams for years,
While her season with the Knights didn’t go to plan on the field – Newcastle failed to win a game and finished bottom of the ladder – it was still an exciting experience from which Tillett has learned.
“It was a rollercoaster ride,” Tillett said.
“I loved playing at Newy and being around the girls, that was great. It was hard in that we couldn’t get a win.
“Being able to play NRLW was really good.”
Tillett is one of eight players who have returned to the Gold Stars with NRLW experience under their belts.
The likes of Tully product Romy Teitzel, Shaniah Power, and Jasmine Peters are back in Townsville, while the Gold Stars bolstered their depth by acquiring Destiny Brill and Far North product and Broncos winger Hagiga Mosby.
“That NRLW experience, to have eight or so players from here last year get contracts, that says a lot about the squad,” Tillett said.
“To go close last year ... to pick up Haj and add her to this team makes us better.”
The Gold Stars will play their fourth straight and last home game this Saturday when they face the leagueleading Capras at Mackay’s BB Print Stadium.
Representing all of north Queensland, the Gold Stars have shared their home games with the region, playing two matches at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, once at Barlow Park in Cairns and now once at Mackay.
The Capras remain the only unbeaten team in this competition, and while the Gold Stars’ attack is the best in the competition, the Capras’ defence is what has allowed the team to start with four straight wins.
Tillett is well aware of the challenge facing her side, but said the team would be fine if it stuck to its strengths.
“We just need to do what we do well,” Tillett said.
Kick-off is at 4.15pm.