Tayla Sykes: 'She’s really elusive and a really great kid'

Inspired by Australian Rugby 7s star and big sister Emma Sykes, Queensland Rubys youngster Tayla Sykes is aiming high – but in rugby league.

The 18-year-old, like her sister, also played 7s, but the appeal of the rugby league pathways and with the opportunities to make it to the top increasing, she was drawn across.

Sykes played for Norths Devils in this year’s Harvey Norman Under 19 competition and will line up for the Rubys at the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships from May 18.

“This is my first season of proper league after coming from 7s… it’s a good change,” Sykes said.

“I've definitely enjoyed it and I've made new friends, which is good. And definitely have some new skills.

“I think I have so much more potential in league. Coming from 7s, I wasn't getting much game time and I knew the game of league was expanding a lot so it seemed silly not to come across to league, especially with all of the new teams. I'm so excited.”

Sykes said she was inspired by her sister’s success at an elite level.

“My older sister Emma was also a 7s player. She played in the Aussie 7s, went to Comm Games. She came to league as well, started league, but unfortunately did her shoulder so she’s recovering,” Sykes said.

The St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School graduate, who likes how Latrell Mitchell plays and is inspired by Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw, said she was thrilled to make her first representative team.

“It's so good wearing maroon… it's not easy to get a maroon jersey so I definitely don't take it for granted and I'm very grateful,” Sykes said.

“It's obviously a lot of work. It's not backyard footy and you get picked… it's playing hard, training hard.

“Ali Brigginshaw is a similar position to me so I definitely look up to her. Definitely watch her and how she plays because she’s obviously a very high (calibre) athlete. It would be silly not to take tips from her.

“I hope to make it to the highest level so I'll keep playing footy and hopefully one day get an NRLW contract, play for the Maroons and Jillaroos.”

Rubys coach Veronica White said Sykes was an important part of the Rubys side and she looked forward to seeing her play.

"She’s really elusive and a really great kid,” White said.

“You can give her feedback and she takes it on because she really cares about developing her game. She's pretty good in the halves but we're going to give her a shot at fullback as well.”