Queenslander Montaya Hudson going from strength to strength

Hudson, who has looked up to Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons star and 2023 Dally M medal winner Tamika Upton from a young age, said being selected in the Queensland Under 19 Emerging Squad meant so much.

The fullback said being selected in squads was a feeling she had never gotten used to and it was even sweeter post injury.

"It just means so much," Hudson said.

"You can't describe the feeling... it's just so good."

Hudson said being part of representative camps, including the Queensland Under 19 Emerging Squad camp where the girls opposed the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons, drove her to be better.

Hudson also opposed the Maroons with the Devils in the lead up to State of Origin Game I.

"You want to grow and you want to get better each training, each day," Hudson said.

"This feeling can never be beaten. 

"Seeing where Tamika Upton is now and seeing where I am now, versing her in the BMD Premiership competition, it's really eye-opening... she's an amazing player and to be able to run against her in BMD and in the opposed with the Maroons is just such a great opportunity."

Hudson broke her collar bone not long after being in Sapphires camp last year and did not enjoy being sidelined. 

"I snapped it fully, got a few plates and screws, and got told it was going to be a really long road ahead... I knew footy wasn't over for myself and I would need to be fighting a lot to get back to where I was," Hudson said, noting her mum helped her massively along the way.

"This injury has made me stronger, mentally, and I wanted to get fitter, faster, stronger because being on the sideline is not fun.

"You never want to have that feeling again.. you don't want to be in a weak position where you're standing on the sideline... it's the worst feeling ever watching your mates run around playing footy doing what they love and you can't... I don't wish that feeling upon anyone."

Hudson said rugby league was "such an empowering game" and meant she was surrounded by a "big family" - one she was grateful for. 

"Football means being around everyone you love," Hudson said.

"Really grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way. It's no easy thing to overcome and I think being back on the field... in Queensland colours... is such a grateful moment.

"Moving to the Devils under Wardy, she has helped me so much... she spoke to me and said she wanted me... I didn't hesitate... went and took that opportunity.

"She coaches so well and she really does help me become better... will help you in any way, shape or form... come and catch balls... even outside of footy, she does a lot."

Hudson said to make the final Queensland Under 19 team would be next level exciting for her.

"I think everyone would say it would mean a lot to them... but I think this time around, where I am in this position, I think it would be my greatest achievement yet," Hudson said.

"I know that I'm still young and this injury is still lingering but to be back playing footy, to be back playing every week, I never want that to end.... especially to play this game, it would mean the most.

"But I wouldn't finish at that point, I'll be striving for me and trying to get better each week. There's no end to it."

When it comes to the rest of this year, Hudson, at the Brisbane Broncos on a development contract, said "watch this space".

"I know if I put in the work and do what I'm doing, I think I can get (to the NRLW).... but it's just a waiting game at this point... really keen to get amongst the girls," Hudson said.

"Being around that environment really does help you a lot as a person and a player. It's going to be a big year ahead."

The Devils will play their semi-final against Burleigh Bears on Sunday.