Layne Morgan’s nan inspiring Waratahs women gun in Super W semi v Fijiana, team list

The ‘super cool’ octogenarian and a historic footy feat inspiring her grand daughter and Waratah’s gun ahead of the Super W semi against Fijiana Drua. Full team list.

Layne Morgan and her inspiring grand mother.

There’s a “super cool’’ octogenarian and a historic footy feat inspiring a Waratahs gun every time she runs out for her country or club in rugby – including in this weekend's semi-final of Super W which has had a time change.

They say football runs in the family and it does in the case of Layne Morgan – she just didn’t know about her pioneering grand mother’s feats until she was already hooked on playing rugby.

The Waratahs halfback said she only learned a few years ago her grand mother Helen Davies was part of one of the first games of women’s rugby league played back in 1972 between the West Rosettes and the Leichhardt Wildcats in Newcastle in a one off meeting.

And while Morgan has chosen rugby union over rugby league, her grand mother remains one of her biggest fans – and inspirations.

“She’s super cool and had this I can do attitude. I see that attitude and it really inspires me,” said Morgan who came across to XV rugby after a stint playing sevens in her teens “because I always got penalised for being too aggressive in netball’’.

Layne Morgan in the thick of the action in the match against the Queensland Reds at Concord Oval.

“She was at my first ever game in rugby and she makes me a tougher person by always telling me to get up and keep going. What she has done is so inspiring.

“She’s 81 now and rings to tell me what she likes about the game and what she doesn’t.

“She came to Concord oval to watch us against the Reds and loved it. But she’s from Woolgoolga near Coffs Harbour so she will be watching this one on Stan.’’

Layne Morgan and her grand mother. Picture: Supplied.

Layne Morgan is the Waratahs halfback.

Morgan travels around 15 hours each week between her home at Speers Point on Lake Macquarie to Sydney for training and matches.

Her dedication saw her make her debut for the Wallaroos at the 2022 world cup – a run out delayed due to the lack of international competition during the coronavirus pandemic.

Layne Morgan going over for her first Super W try against Fijian Drua.

In round two of Super W Morgan scored her first Super W try – and then a second soon after – in the Waratahs whopping 31-5 victory over Fijiana who they face on Sunday in their semi-final.

“That try against Fijiana was my first ever and then to score two, that was icing on the cake,” she said.

“I think I’ve grown as a player at the Waratahs. I hadn’t had a lot of game time so it’s as nice to show what I can do when I get the minutes.”

The Waratah’s take on for Fijiana Drua at 12.35pm after a time change on Thursday.

The Queensland Reds will then tackle the Brumbies at 3:05pm in the second Super W semi-final.

Emily Robinson returns to the Tahs starting team from injury and will join forces with Adiana Talakai and Bridie O’Gorman in the front row.

Leilani Nathan will partner with Sera Naiqama in the second row with Grace Hamilton, Fi Jones and captain Piper Duck in the back row.

Morgan and Ella Ryan are in the halves, Katrina Barker and Georgina Friedrichs in the centres, Desiree Miller will start on the left wing, Maya Stewart returns to the staring line up from injury and Caitlin Halse is at fullback for her first finals appearance.

WARATAHS: 1. Emily Robinson – 25 caps 2. Adiana Talakai – 14 caps, 3. Bridie O’Gorman – 19 caps, 4. Leilani Nathan – 5 caps, 5. Sera Naiqama – 18 caps, 6. Grace Hamilton – 28 caps, 7. Fi Jones – 17 caps, 8. Piper Duck – 14 caps, 9. Layne Morgan – 17 caps, 10. Ella Ryan – 5 caps, 11. Desiree Miller – 5 caps, 12. Katrina Barker – 24 caps, 13. Georgina Friedrichs – 16 caps, 14. Maya Stewart – 15 caps, 15. Caitlyn Halse – 5 caps, 16. Katalina Amosa – 4 caps, 17. Brianna Hoy – 7 caps, 18. Georgia Chapple – 2 caps. 19. Rosie Ebbage – 5 caps. 20. Loretta Mailangi – 7 caps. 21. Tatum Bird – 8 caps, 22. Jade Sheridan – 3 caps, 23. Jacinta Windsor – 2 caps.

Read more from AMANDA LULHAM HERE

Originally published as Layne Morgan’s nan inspiring Waratahs women gun in Super W semi v Fijiana, team list