Cursed by injuries, Cowboy fights back to follow in JT’s footsteps
Tahlulah Tillett has credited her injury-cursed past as she prepares to make her long-awaited Cowboys debut in the same jersey as her idol - Johnathan Thurston.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tahlulah Tillett has credited her injury-cursed past with helping her to be mentally ready to deal with being stuck on the sideline as she prepares to make her long-awaited Cowboys debut in the same jersey as her idol - Johnathan Thurston.
Tillett is one of the great Far North success stories.
She was the first junior female footballer at Cairns Kangaroos, was a state and national touch footy representative, she’s a BMD Premiership winner and two-time Indigenous All Star.
Injury robbed her of two crucial seasons, and it cost her the first three games of this historic season.
Tillett has missed three historic Cowboys clashes to start their inaugural NRLW season, being forced to watch their first ever game, win and Broncos derby nursing a recovering fractured hand.
But the Cairns product’s moment has finally arrived, with the former junior touch footy star named to play the Tigers in Brisbane.
THE INJURY
She suffered the injury during what was a stock-standard rolling ruck drill in pre-season, and while she knew it wasn’t right, she showed her trademark toughness by powering through the session.
“I got my hand caught in a tackle and a couple of girls landed on top of my arm which added more pressure to it,” Tillett said.
“Ended up having a couple of fractures and ligament damage and was in a brace for a few weeks.
“I knew when it happened there was something wrong. It was painful and I was sick from the pain.
“But I finished the session, I carried on, but by the end of it my hand blew up.”
Scans the next day revealed the full extent of the injury, and the reality she would again be sidelined hit hard.
This is a woman who has dealt with enormous injury setbacks in the past.
Three consecutive knee injuries, which robbed her of a place in the inaugural NRLW season back in 2018, put Tillett through the wringer but she came out the other side a mentally and physically tougher player.
Those setbacks, while painful at the time, actually helped her handle this round.
“When I found out what would happen, it was quite devastating but I knew I’d been through worse – compared to what I’ve been through, this injury was nothing,” Tillett said.
“I’ve got good support systems around me.”
THE LEADER
While forced to the sideline to handle rehab, Tillett has very much remained a part of the Cowboys team.
The selflessness and team-first mentality is an attribute which most people involved in rugby league who have come across the former junior touch footy star have identified and praised.
And it was highlighted by coach Ben Jeffries ahead of the derby clash with Brisbane last week.
“She is actually pretty calm,” Jeffries said.
“She’s in our leadership group, I know it hurt her missing selection but the true person she is, she’s been all about the team and not an individual.”
It’s partly why she is part of the Cowboys’ leadership group.
Add to that her talent with the footy, her calmness and ability to guide her team around the field, and the level-headedness to not be flustered in the big moments, and it’s clear why the North Queensland Gold Stars BMD Premiership title winner is among the senior members of this Cowboys outfit.
Tillett travelled with the team to Belmore to watch their first NRLW win, and was in the stands for the battle with Brisbane.
“I’m still heavily involved and part of the team,” Tillett said.
“I have a leadership role in the team so it was very important for me to be around the girls and making sure I’m giving them that positivity.
“Even if it’s from the sideline. I’m proud of how we started the season, I’m excited for what’s to come.”
THE RETURN
She made her return to action for Brothers Townsville in the RLTD women’s competition last week, and after passing that test has been green lit to make her first appearance for the Cowboys.
It’s a moment Tillett has waited for her entire life, and will finally arrive on Saturday afternoon when she pulls on the North Queensland Cowboys jersey against the Tigers in Brisbane.
Tillett’s father, Stephen, was a member of the inaugural Cowboys squad in 1995 and played reserve grade for the club, while her grandfather Nigel has been involved in the administration of rugby league at almost every level in the state.
He is also the current chairman of the Northern Pride.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to be able to play for this club,” Tillett said.
“That’s the first goal, continuing to build on what we’ve started and hopefully can continue that good form as a team.
“Towards the back end of the season we can keep building.”
Cowboys coach Ben Jeffries said Tillett was chomping at the bit to get back into action, and her existing combination with Dibb will only help the club’s pursuit of a second win.
Tillett and Dibb have played together before, at the Knights and as part of the Jeffries-coached Indigenous All Stars, and that familiarity could play a key role in their pursuit of a second win for the season.
“Her organisation, she’ll work hand-in-hand with Kirra, take some pressure off Kirra,” Jeffries said.
“(They’re the) All Star halves pairing for the past two years, and has a good kicking game as well.”
THE IDOL
Tillett has dreamed of this moment since she was a kid.
The daughter of a foundation Cowboy, Tillett’s childhood revolved around rugby league.
When the Cowboys were on, the youngster sat fixed to the television screen.
At half-time she rushed outside to emulate the feats of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen she had witnessed moments before.
“That was pretty much me. Every weekend I was watching every footy game then running around the backyard with my older sister and cousin pretending we were the likes of JT and Matty Bowen,” she said.
“JT was probably my main hero, growing up. He’s actually the reason why I wear a head guard. When I first started playing I wanted to be just like him and that’s why I wore a head guard and I haven’t stopped wearing one since.”
Saturday’s debut is even more special to Tillett because she will don the same No.6 jersey Thurston wore across his dazzling first season with North Queensland, returning to the position to raise the Provan-Summons trophy in 2015.
“It’s a childhood dream coming true,” Tillett said.
“Growing up in North Queensland, supporting the Cowboys, and obviously the history with my dad (Stephen, foundation Cowboys squad member) as well, to now be able to pull on the Cowboys jersey officially this weekend is something I’m very excited for.
“ I called mum and dad first once I found out. Mum was crying, in tears, and dad was obviously very happy and excited. I’m very excited to have them there to witness that.
“(Wearing Thurston’s number) doesn’t feel real and I don’t think it will until Saturday, when we’re running out on the field.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and representing my home region.”
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as Cursed by injuries, Cowboy fights back to follow in JT’s footsteps
Iron bar boots to world top 3: Bionic sportswoman’s incredible story
Tracy Johnson was just eight when her lower leg was amputated. Now, the Qld athlete is scaling the heady heights of international CrossFit competition. Read her inspirational story.
Triple treat: St Brendan’s perfect start in school footy finals
It’s three down, 12 to go as St Brendan’s look to keep their momentum rolling in Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League grand finals. See how their 7C side set the tone on the opening day.