Keebra Park rising talent Tiana Raftstrand-Smith impressing in both league and rugby sevens

“She has got the world at her feet and a good head on her shoulders.”

“SHE has got the world at her feet and a good head on her shoulders.”

Those 15 words spoken by Keebra Park State High girls sport academy co-ordinator Nathan Small pretty well sum up the excitement surrounding emerging cross-code talent Tiana Raftstrand-Smith.

Raftstrand-Smith is predominantly a five-eighth in rugby league who is said to have been in line to join Keebra schoolmate Tyesha Mikaio in the under-18 State of Origin arena for Queensland last month had she been old enough to qualify.

Tiana Raftstrand-Smith. Picture: Tim Marsden

Now 16, she is also making waves in rugby sevens and is part of the Sydney-based Australian Youth Development Program.

She was also recently selected in Griffith University’s open women’s rugby sevens team.

“Obviously she is pretty athletically blessed but what really sets Tiana apart is her willingness to learn and her strong mindset,” Small said.

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“From the moment she came through the gate she said ‘I want to play for Australia in rugby sevens, I want to go to the Olympics’ and she is unwavering in her pursuit of that goal.

“She comes down to training and does everything you ask and more, motivates the girls and keeps them in line.”