NRLW 2022: St George Dragons Tara McGrath-West’s ride from tears to debut v Titans, team list

One minute she was in tears. The next thing this young rugby league player got the shock of her life. Now this late signing is preparing to make an extraordinary NRLW debut.

The tears kept coming and Tara McGrath-West just couldn’t stop them.

The North Sydney Bears player had just been beaten in the Harvey Norman semi-finals and she was devastated.

Compounding her misery was the fact her dream of making an NRL squad looked doomed for the country player who had moved to Sydney to chase her ambition

“I was in tears after losing my semi-final,’' said the young front rower.

“Then Jamie (Soward, Dragons coach) was at the game and he came and spoke to me and offered me a spot in the Dragons squad. I couldn’t believe it.

Dragons player Tara McGrath-West. Pic: Supplied

“We thought all the spots were filled. I was just looking at a development contract at that stage.

“It was a rollercoaster. It was insane. My friends witnessed it. They laugh about how I went from a big low to a high.’’

Just when she thought life couldn't get much better its about to with the young gun named to make her debut off the bench in the opening match of the St George Dragons NRLW campaign on Sunday with the recently signed trio Andie Robinson and Monalisa Soliola.

“If I do it will be the best moment of my life, as dream come true’’ said McGrath-West, who hails from Harden, near Cootamundra, south of Canberra, but lives at Parramatta and works on the northern beaches

“There’s a little nerves, lots of excitement and a lot of gratitude.

“I have sacrificed a lot moving from my family, not being home very often.

“I also feel like I want to repay the Dragons for everything. I owe them a lot.’’

“My family are coming up. Its about a three to four hour drive.’’

“We are a family with a great passion for rugby league.’’

McGrath-West said her earliest memory is sitting with her family each week to watch the rugby league – and her favourite team Manly.

But she didn't try her hand at the sport until four years ago, not even realising at the time women played the game at a professional level.

The Dragons are one of the favourites for the NRLW this year.

“I never knew women played rugby and then a coach said to me there’s a big comp in Sydney and if you do well in Canberra you can go.

“I did a bit of research and it was NRLW.

McGrath-West, who played Tarsha Gale with the Canberra Raiders, lives at Constitution Hill and works at Manly as a NRL development officer, said her favourite player was Brett Stewart – someone she still hopes to meet one day.

“ I liked his aggression and his skill set. He was a fullback and I’ve alway played it,’’ she said.

“I just loved his game, he just did his things that really inspired me.

“I’ve never met him, I hope to meet him one day. I’d like to say I’d be cool but if I was to meet him I will fan girls for sure.’’

NRL Women’s Premiership squad for Round 1 Dragons v Gold Coast Titans

Sunday 12pm at WIN Stadium

1. Emma Tonegato, 2. Teagan Berry, 3. Keele Browne, 4. Page McGregor, 5. Andie Robinson, 6. Taliah Fuimaono, 7. Rachael Pearson, Elsie Albert, 9. Keeley Davis, 10. Tegan Dymock, 11. Kezie Apps (c), 12. Shaylee Bent, 13. Holli Wheeler.

Interchange: 14. Quincy Dodd, 15. Talei Holmes, 16. Monalisa Soliola, 17. Tara McGrath-West, 18. Renee Targett, 19. Zali Hopkins, 20. Aliti Namoce, 21. Shontelle Stowers, 22. Cassie Staples

Originally published as NRLW 2022: St George Dragons Tara McGrath-West’s ride from tears to debut v Titans, team list