Gold Star ‘looking forward’ after four seasons of setbacks

North Queensland Gold Stars playmaker Tahlulah Tillett is determined to get back on the field and play the game she loves after four years of heartache.

North Queensland Gold Stars playmaker Tahlulah Tillett is determined to get back on the field and play the game she loves after four years of heartache.

The 22-year-old was this week named in the Gold Stars’ top 25 squad for the second season of the QRLW competition, after the inaugural season of the statewide women’s competition was cancelled after one round last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tillett has had dreadful luck with injuries, suffering four knee-related setbacks since 2017, but has fought her way back time and time again in pursuit of her rugby league dream.

“For me personally, it was a bit of a tough year, along with another injury, but that’s all in the past now and I’m just looking forward,” Tillett said.

Young rugby league star Tahlulah Tillett will play for the North Queensland Gold Stars in the 2021 BHP Premiership. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It’s exciting and I’m really looking forward to just getting out there, playing footy with the girls, making our mark and showing what North Queenslanders can do.”

Tillett made her return to the field in a trial match at the Gold Stars’ pre-season camp in Townsville last month.

“That was awesome to get through that and, looking forward, I’m not dwelling on what’s happened in the past, I just want to get out there and take each game as it comes and put my best foot forward with the girls,” she said.

Tillett said she had been able to take her game to a new level under former NRL player David Westley, who has been coaching the Cairns-based Gold Stars players since November.

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“He’s been breaking things right down for us, focusing on technique, defence and all that sort of stuff, to make sure we can get things right from the start,” she said.

“And just his support away from the footy field as well, he’s helped me a lot to get over some mental barriers.”

Gold Stars head coach Gavin Lloyd said Tillett was an inspiration.

“I don’t know how she does it,” he said.

Roos player Tahlulah Tillett. Picture: Stewart McLean

“To get those constant setbacks at such a young age and be as talented as she is, knowing that it’s there for you but you’re injured, it can be very tough mentally.

“I spoke to her when she got injured with the Broncos last year and she was umming and ahhing if she was going to play again.

“I didn’t know whether she wanted to and I don’t think she knew whether she wanted to.

“Coming into the trial in Townsville she was a bit nervous about contact, but Dave, who’s just a great mentor, got her through it and she played really well and was confident.

Young rugby league star Tahlulah Tillett will play for the North Queensland Gold Stars in the 2021 BHP Premiership. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I wish her all the best for the season ahead and I’m really looking forward to Tahlulah being the Tahlulah that we all know can play footy.”

Tillett is one of six Cairns-based players in the squad, alongside Tahina Booth, Priya Deshong, Stephanie Mooka, Esha Nona and Kaiyla Ward.

Far North products Jordii-Rae Mahendrarajah (Cairns) and Romy Teitzel (Tully) are also in the squad.

The Gold Stars will kick off their 2021 campaign against Valleys Diehards on April 10 at Barlow Park.

Originally published as Gold Star ‘looking forward’ after four seasons of setbacks