Faith Nathan overcomes fear of tackling ahead of Rugby Sevens World Series debut
It could well go down in history as one of the worst starts to a new sporting career ever but it hasn’t stopped this teenager making a big impression in rugby.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Remember this rugby name, even if you can’t say it
- How rugby steered teen in a new direction
- Rugby comeback inspired by NRL brother
When Faith Nathan played her first game of Rugby Sevens she was so scared of tackling she stepped out of the way so her rival could score.
When Nathan finally summed up the courage to try and take down a player, she did it so badly she was yellow carded.
Now less than two years later, the 19-year-old has been named for a potential debut with the Australian women’s sevens side in round two of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai.
BOOF HEAD: How rugby saved this young player
CODE SWAP: For rugby league ref
“I was a development players so this is just amazing,’’ said Nathan, who caught the eye of Australian selectors while competing at the recent Oceania championships in Fiji.
“I’ve only really been playing for a year and a half.
“I come from a touch foot background and I was scared to be tackled and didn’t really want to play.
“I finally played a game with friends and family and we won. A NSW coach was watching and said come and have a trial and that’s how it all started.’’
Nathan, who works in after school care at Mosman, grew up at Berkeley Vale on the Central Coast but is now based at Forestville.
The 19-year-old’s first experience in the game should have put her off for life.
SEVENS: NRL guns’s son making right moves
BENCHED: Sydney Flames teen all smiles
SYDNEY-HOBART: Wild Oat’s cunning plan
“The first time a forward was running at me I moved to the side and juts let her score. I didn't want to get hurt,’’ said Nathan, who played for the University of Technology Sydney in the AON University sevens series this season.
“Everyone just laughed at me but I just didn’t want to get injured.
“When I finally made my first tackle I did it high accidentally and got my first yellow card on my first ever tackle.’’
Nathan said she spoke to family about her early years and was given some blunt advice.
“It took a long while to get over my fear but I did with some help from my family. They said, just toughen up,’’ she said.
Now she’s tough enough to have the chance to represent Australia in the Dubai round of the world series.
MORE SPORT
Like Nathan, Georgia Hannaway starred at the Oceania Sevens Championship win in Fiji earlier this month and has also earned the chance to make her Australian senior debut in Dubai.
Australia’s first outing is against Fiji on Thursday with matches against Ireland and Spain on Sunday.