Roosters’ rising star: Tyra Ekepati making Tarsha Gale waves ahead of NRLW campaign
Central Coast talent Tyra Ekepati has learnt from some of the best on her path to the Tarsha Gale Cup, and now the Roosters young gun has her sights set on living a dream in the NRLW.
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Tyra Ekepati’s rise from an unknown quantity in league just a few years ago to securing an NRLW deal has been meteoric to say the least.
The Central Coast product didn’t start playing the game until her middle years of high school, where a quality mentor helped her fall in love with rugby league.
Former Jillaroo and NSW representative Rebecca Young played a key role in her development, something the young star is forever grateful for.
“I didn’t start playing until I was in Year 9. I moved to Hunter Sports High and there’s where it all really started for me,” Ekepati said.
“I gained so much knowledge and love for the game from our coach Bec Young. She was a huge part of my initial development.
“She got me into the Knights system and I was part of their Tarsha Gale development squad when I was 14.”
That quality mentorship formulated a talented young netball and Oztag representative into a focused rugby league player willing to learn and put in the hard yards.
Her determination saw her enter into the Sydney Roosters system, where she has spent time at the Lisa Fiaola level, before the chance to represent her home town in the same competition.
She completed an U17s campaign as part of the Roosters’ Central Coast academy last year, where she was guided by NRLW premiership player Jayme Fressard.
Ekepati credits Fressard with not only developing her game, but helping her deal with the mental side of footy.
“Learning off the back of her being an elite athlete was inspiring,” she said.
“I gained a lot of knowledge from her, not just on the field but how she prepares herself off the field.
“Getting tips and advice from her, especially with mindset things. I’ve struggled with nerves before a game. I asked her what she knew and she helped guide me through that when we were playing in Coffs Harbour.”
It was only fitting that the Roosters announced the NRLW signings of the pair together late last year, with Ekepati signing a development deal for 2024 and moving into the top squad next year.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all. It was my main goal for this year, to hopefully get offered one at the back end of the Tarsha Gale season,” she said.
“I was shocked for a good week. I didn’t think it would happen so soon. I thought I would need to prove myself for at least a whole Tarsha Gale season, not just training.”
Ekepati has enjoyed a strong start to the U19s season at fullback with the Roosters Indigenous Academy as the side guns for three-straight titles.
“I just love the vibe around our team. Being with the girls is fun,” she said.
“I want to continue to grow as a player on and off the field, and contribute to the success of our team.
“I’m just really grateful and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The Roosters continue their female pathways season on Saturday against the St George Dragons at Henson Park.
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Originally published as Roosters’ rising star: Tyra Ekepati making Tarsha Gale waves ahead of NRLW campaign
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