Grand final spotlight: Tigers backrower Kayleen Takai

Kayleen Takai spent many evenings growing up with her dad John dreaming about where rugby league could take her.

Together they would watch the NRL or NRLW on television and he would paint for her a vision of her future.

On Saturday, Kayleen will fill part of this dream when she co-captains the Brisbane Tigers in the inaugural Harvey Norman Under 19 grand final.

Just like her dad always told her, she will be representing her club on the biggest stage, chasing a piece of history.

She said her dad had been the biggest influence on her career so far.

“He’s my biggest supporter and also my biggest critic,” Kayleen said.

“He’s hard on me but it will all be worth it in the end.

“He came from a union background, he played when he was younger, so he’s my go-to person for advice. He’s one of the main reasons I started playing.

“I grew up watching NRL and NRLW on TV and he said, ‘it would be so cool to see you out there with our last name on your back, playing for your team or your state or your country'.

“So, that’s something I knew I wanted to do when I grew up.”

John’s advice to his 17-year-old daughter ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Mackay Cutters is simple and no different to any other week.

“He’s loves saying 'run hard, tackle harder',” the backrower said.

“That’s always the goal for every game. He just wants me improving each week and just to have fun.”

The former Marsden State High School student had a background in touch football and OzTag but started playing rugby league in Year 7 through the school.

She played her league through school and with the Waterford Demons before successfully trialling for the Tigers’ Harvey Norman Under 19 squad last year.

Earlier this year, she also made her BMD Premiership debut against the Norths Devils in Round 2 and backed it up with a second appearance in Round 3 against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

Kayleen said she felt right at home with the Tigers and liked that she could also see her way forward, but also the support she had from her teammates.

“They mix us together with BMD so you get a lot of experience with those girls and get knowledge from them and get to improve on your game,” she said.

“Everyone is so supportive and helps you as a player and a person.

“I was super honoured to be one of the captains alongside Indi (Seeto), being able to be a leader in the group.

“The girls are a good bunch. They’re all really talented. Pratty (coach Damien Pratt) and (assistant coach) Joel (Seeto) are always supporting me.

“Being able to be there for the girls on and off the field as well, it means a lot to me.”

Kayleen has hopes to one day play in the NRLW and for the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons, as well as representing Australia, Tonga and her Maori heritage.

Shorter term, she wants to represent Queensland in the upcoming Under 19 State of Origin in June. But for now, her focus is firmly on Saturday’s premiership decider at Totally Workwear Stadium.

She said there has been a lot of talk among the group about the chance to make history and be crowned the first Harvey Norman Under 19 premiers.

But first, they have a job to do.