Gatton Hawks and Canberra Raiders star joins Clydesdales

Three years ago Tara Reinke played her first league game. Now the new Western Clydesdales signing and NRLW star is hoping to inspire a new generation of players. Read her journey here.

Tara Reinke’s rise through the rugby league ranks has been meteoric.

Three years ago she stepped onto a league field for the first time – playing for Gatton Hawks in the inaugural TRLW competition.

Since those first tentative steps the former Australian powerlifting champion has played in the BMD Premiership and the NRLW.

Now she will run out for her ‘home town’ club, the Western Clydesdales, when they make their BMD debut next year.

Tara Reinke scores a try for Gatton in the 2022 TRLW grand final. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“I’m so happy that Toowoomba will have a team next year,” Reinke said.

“It’s really exciting. I can’t wait to get out there and play.”

Reinke hopes the addition of the Clydesdales next year will give more girls the opportunity to chase their rugby league dreams.

The 24-year-old shone off the bench in her debut for the Canberra Raiders this season averaging 4.3 hit-ups and 43m a game.

“I’ve been really lucky, really blessed to move this quickly in my journey,” Reinke, who still calls Gatton home, said.

“I’ve been part of a lot inaugural teams from Gatton to the Canberra Raiders and now the Clydesdales.

“It’s exciting knowing that the women’s game is growing and hopefully this (the Clydesdales) means more girls have the opportunity to the follow the path to the NRLW.”