Next Gen Rugby Sevens NSW debutants include Edie Burke, daughter of Wallaby Matt Burke

She’s the daughter of a famous football gun about to make her debut in a series which has helped mould some of our top Olympians - with one very wonky finger.

Edie Burke, second form left, and teammates.

Her father was known as one of Australia’s best fullbacks and while she’s got a way to go before matching his stellar record, Edie Bourke is now back on the road to her own sporting success.

The footy talent is set to make her debut for the NSW senior side in the 2023 Aon Next Gen 7s Series which is as launch pad for Australia’s next generation of Rugby Sevens stars.

She is one of three players from Manly set to make their senior Sevens debut in the opening round of the series which kicks off in Queensland on Sunday.

Anaia Cruikshank and Betty Koula are lso set to debut alongside their Manly teammates Kiahla Duff, Milla Elaro and Piper Simons.

Other debutants are Desiree Miller from Eastern Suburbs and Ruby Nicholas from Gordon.

Burke is on the comeback from a serious injury which sidelined her for much of 2022.

Edie, when 12, with father Matthew Burke and sisters Giselle 6 and Zsa Zsa 5.

“I broke my finger playing touch, football for my club, the Renegades,’’ Burke said.

“I was diving in, it’s kind of my thing, and my pinky got caught at a right angle and I put it back in place.

“Later I went to the ER and got an X-ray. I just thought I hurt my pinky.

“But I had split my knuckle in half. I had two clean fractures and got surgery two weeks later.

“I had a plate put in down the side of my finger and four pins.

“Then I was in plaster and then the cast and then got my stitches out.

“I ended up having two months off and its still looks pretty wonky.’’

Young Sevens rugby star Edie Burke. Pic: Supplied

NSW GEN NEXT PLAYERS

Edie Burke - Manly RUFC.

Anaia Cruickshank - Manly RUFC

Bridget Clark - Burraneer Rugby Union Club

Kiahla Duff (VC) - Manly RUFC

Milla Elaro - Manly RUFC

Alice Gregory (VC) -Burraneer Rugby Union Club

Betty Koula - Manly RUFC

Desiree Miller - Eastern Suburbs RUFC

Ruby Nicholas - Gordon RFC

Claudia Nielsen - Sydney University Football Club

Chloe Saunders (C) - Burraneer Rugby Union Club

Piper Simons - Manly RUFC

Emma Vandervelde - Gordon RFC

Generation now and generation next players. (LtoR) Sophie Duff, Maddison Levi, Fatal Moleka, Sharni Williams, Milla Elaro and Madison Ashby. Pic: Jeremy Piper

The 2023 Aon Next Gen 7s Series kicks off on Sunday in Queensland.

Three teams - NSW, Queensland a Rising Stars outfit - will play over five weekends.

The event is seen as a way of showcasing and exposing young talent in the game.

Australians players like Madi Ashby, Faith Nathan, Bienne Terita, Sariah Paki and Lily Dick all played at the event prior to making the Australian senior squad and team.

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Originally published as Next Gen Rugby Sevens NSW debutants include Edie Burke, daughter of Wallaby Matt Burke