With a football family that includes Queensland Maroons stars Dane Gagai and David Fifita, it seems only natural that North Queensland Gold Stars player Esha Nona would find her way in rugby league.
Nona made her BHP Premiership debut in Round 1 this year and is looking forward to playing more games in the future.
In the meantime, Nona took the chance to answer the 'Fast five' questions.
Fast five with Esha Nona
Football family - does anyone else in your family play? Who and with which team? If not, did a friend get you to sign up?
I have a really big family back home, we pretty much all have a footy background and growing up rugby league was the only sport we grew up with playing or watching. David Fifita from the Broncos and Dane Gagai from South Sydney Rabbitohs are some of my relatives who play footy. We are Badu Island descendants, where I’m from. We didn't have junior league for little girls around where I'm from. Growing up, I was the only girl amongst my older brothers and cousins, I used to play backyard and beach footy with them and yeah, it was full-on contact too. It toughened the little girl out of me. I think I was around 18 or 19 years old when I first played a game of league in one of our local comps. And I was playing wing, so I really didn’t know the rules, but as long as I made a tackle that was exciting for me.
Favourite footy memory?
The North Queensland Marlins winning the Queensland Women’s A Grade State Carnival in 2019. Just being able to showcase the talent we have in the north Queensland was special and set a benchmark for all the young girls coming through the grassroots. It was also my first time playing at an A Grade state level and what made it more exciting was that we made history that weekend, as the last time North Queensland Marlins women won was five or six years ago. And, even now, I still commemorate that day.
Fashion - what’s the most worn item in your wardrobe?
Gym attire. It’s the first thing I put on when I get out bed and at the end of a working day.
Fitness tips? Any favourite exercises or tips for staying motivated?
My favourite exercises would have to be whole body workouts and hill runs.
My tips for staying motivated would be self care, love yourself, put yourself first. Shift your perspective of how you want to achieve your health and body goals.
Find out more - is there anything you are studying up on, reading, watching now that you are spending more time at home?
Right now, I am reading: Start With Why by Simon Sinek and I am currently watching The Bold Type on Stan.
Favourite footy photo
