Rising league star Kate Fallon secures NSW U19s Origin jersey after stellar 2023 season

Kate Fallon has pushed herself to the limits physically and mentally after giving birth just eight months ago. Now the rising star has been rewarded with selection in the NSW U19s Origin.

Kate Fallon will represent New South Wales in the U19s Origin. Picture: Contributed

Kate Fallon is still pinching herself as she prepares to play on the biggest stage of her life this week.

The young talent will represent the NSW U19s in Redcliffe on Thursday, a feat that seemed near impossible less than a year ago.

Fallon has pushed herself to the limits since giving birth to son Lennox at the back end of last year, making the most of every opportunity put in front of her.

“I had a baby eight months ago and started training four weeks after,” Fallon said.

“I was at the Bulldogs (in Tarsha Gale Cup) and then got pregnant. I was lucky enough that Dale Jackson helped sign me, and showed a lot of belief in me.

“That inspired me to get back into training. It was really tough, but I give a lot of thanks to Souths for believing in me.”

Kate Fallon will line up for New South Wales in the U19s Origin. Picture: Contributed

A spot in the Rabbitohs Tarsha Gale Cup squad was the inspiration for Fallon to rip in, where she was recognised in a big way by the club.

“To play in every game, I was happy to get to that point. It was challenging both mentally and physically,” she said.

“It’s the first year Souths have picked a junior reps team of the year, and I was lucky enough to be named in the centres.”

Her form at club level led to a spot at the National Championships, and after overcoming the setback of missing City-Country selection, turned in a performance for the First Nations Gems that led to her making the team of the tournament.

Kate Fallon with son Lennox. Picture: Contributed

“My first goal was to try and make City-Country so I was pretty bummed that I didn’t make it,” she said.

“Jess Skinner called me up for the Gems. To learn more about my culture is something I will carry after rugby league.

“I took a lot of pride in that, and it’s one of my biggest achievements I’ll ever have. To play for my people is an opportunity that I will always cherish.”

It’s led the 19-year-old to a state jersey and the chance to live out a childhood dream.

“When I found out I was in shock,” she said.

“It’s been a goal of mine ever since I was young. I always wanted to play for the Blues. I was so happy when I found out.

“We go into camp a week before we play. At the moment I’m just working on getting as fit as I can and getting to the gym when I can so I can peak when I go out there and play.”

Until then Fallon will continue to run out for Redfern, where she is coached by former NRL and boxing star Solomon Haumono.

Kate Fallon has been chosen to represent the NSW U19s. Picture: Contributed

Her goal remains earning her place in the NRLW one day, where she looks to complete a football journey that started at a young age.

“I started playing for La Perouse with the boys when I was four,” she said.

“We moved to Bathurst when I was 10 and there was no footy (for girls) out there, so I started playing netball, but it wasn’t really my passion.

“We came back to Sydney and I moved into Rugby Sevens where I played for NSW for a couple of years, before getting picked up by the Bulldogs.

“NRLW is somewhere I’d like to get to. I just missed out this year, but it makes me train and work harder to get there.”