Georgia Sim and Kayla Jackson leading the Western Clydesdales’ BMD Premiership finals push

It has been a memorable maiden rugby league season for union converts Georgia Sim and Kayla Jackson, as the pair have helped the Western Clydesdales to be within touching distance of a BMD Premiership finals berth. See how they’ve managed to take the competition by storm as rugby league rookies here.

Georgia Sim scores for the Western Clydesdales against Tweed Seagulls. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

They are the rugby league rookies who have taken the BMD Premiership by storm and now Kayla Jackson and Georgia Sim have the Western Clydesdales on the cusp of a finals berth in their inaugural season.

The duo have combined for 10 tries this campaign with Jackson leading the Clydesdales with six tries for the season.

“We have definitely got our country spirit coming out Kayla and I,” Sim said.

“We’re just loving our roles on the wings and just really trying to work hard in the positions we’ve been given and make the most of it for the season.”

Sim has been one of the Clydesdales best players in the second half of the season with her electric running a standout in the wins over Wynnum Manly and Tweed.

“I think I’ve finally clicked in the last couple of games, just the dynamics of rugby league and how it works,” she said.

“I am starting to really enjoy everything and having lots of fun.

“I think it has come off the team as well, I am just like a finisher.

“I love how we all just get around each other after the tries but it is definitely a team effort, not just myself.”

Jackson said the transition has been a challenge but one she has taken in her stride and reaped the rewards in.

Kayla Jackson in action for the Western Clydesdales in their clash with Norths Devils. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography

“It has been a bit of a challenge but I have definitely enjoyed it and what a bunch of girls to do it with,” she said.

“The game is quite different, getting back 10 (metres) was the first big one.

“I’d always get stuck in the ruck and think ‘gee I gotta get back’.

“The ruck control is very different to union, especially 15 a side.

“I have been really proud of myself and proud of the team that I’m in, so it has been so good to be alongside these girls for the inaugural season.

“Six meat pies (tries) for the season, I’m pretty happy with that.”

For Jackson, being a part of the inaugural Clydesdales side was such an honour that there was only one way to celebrate.

“(I am) very proud, so proud that we’re going to get a tattoo,” she said

Both Jackson and Sim are prime examples of the uniqueness of the Clydesdales side, as they joined the team without any rugby league experience and play alongside some of the greatest and most experienced NRLW players in Ali Brigginshaw, Shenae Ciesiolka and Steph Hancock.

“I think out of all the teams, we’ve got quite a diverse squad,” Sim said.

“We’ve obviously got the NRLW girls who’ve got that more IQ and leadership on the field and then we’ve also got our young guns like myself and Kayla who have never played league before and really eager to learn.

Western Clydesdales wingers Georgia Sim and Kayla Jackson. Picture: Benny Hassum Photography.

“So it is a really good mix and makes training really fun to go to.”

Sim has formed one of the most threatening outside back partnerships in the competition alongside centre Leianne Tufuga this season, with the duo complimenting each other perfectly.

“I’ve loved playing with Lei and I’m really going to miss her when she goes back down south,” Sim said.

“She’s taught me a lot and it’s been really, really great to have her next to me.

“I think the most enjoyable thing is seeing the defenders that go up against Lei, their faces go ‘oh no I have to stop her’, her leg drive is just insane and she works so hard at training and it is really inspirational to be next her.”

Jackson was at her best on Saturday as she scored an impressive try early in the contest and was proud of the efforts from the team in their loss to Norths Devils.

“I was really proud of the girls, we knew they were going to be a tough side to get out there and stick it to them,” she said.

“We had a few goals, we did reach them but obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted but there are things always to build on and I think we did a good job to hit it out against those girls - they are a strong side.”

Sim shared a similar sentiment to Jackson after the clash and was proud of the resilience in the team in their clash which could be a prelude for finals.

“I think we never gave up and went hard all the way to the end so I’m really proud of the girls,” Sim said.

“It didn't feel like we lost, that’s for sure.”