Mounties Women's Rugby League Player sets sight for World Cup
Mounties Women's Rugby League player, Simaima Taufa, is heading to training camp next week in preparation for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017. 23-year-old Simaima, who has played for Mounties for three years, was recruited to the Australian Jillaroos to compete in the global upcoming Women’s Rugby League World Cup which runs in Australia from Thursday, 16 November – Saturday, 2 December.
The Jillaroos will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Cook Islands on Thursday, 16 November in Sydney. They will also meet Canada and England before the finals commence on 2 December. For the first time, the Women’s Rugby League World Cup final will be played as a double-header with the Men’s final and two world champions will be crowned on the same night.
The only current Western Sydney player in the squad, Simaima has had an exceptional year at Mounties with a long list of achievements. In the past few months alone, she was awarded Dally M’s Female Player of the Year for 2017 and Winner of the Australian Representative Player Award.
Off the pitch, Simaima volunteers to run sports clinics at local schools in Prairiewood, Casula, and outside of the Fairfield area, mentoring a diverse range of children, using sport as a tool for leadership skills they can apply in all areas of their lives.
She is also a mentor for Women’s Rugby League at Mounties, passing on her experience to younger players. As an ambassador for the sport, she works tirelessly to raise the profile of Women’s Rugby League in Western Sydney.
Simaima Taufa said: “It is such an honor and a privilege to be part of an amazing team and to be given the opportunity to represent my country at the biggest stage, the Rugby League World Cup. "I am grateful for the support that Mounties has given me, and what they continue to do not only for myself, but for the Mounties Women’s Rugby League Team. I hope that I can make everyone who has invested in me, and sacrificed for me, proud" added Taufa.
Kevin Ingram, Mounties Group President, added: "We’re incredibly proud of Simaima and are looking forward to championing her and the Jillaroos throughout the tournament. Mounties is honored to support grassroots, and Simaima demonstrates immense grit and dedication to her team and community. Hopefully, she can add winning the World Cup to her list of achievements this year!"
Karol-Ann Tanevesi, also a Mounties Women’s Rugby Player, will be playing in the World Cup as a part of the Cook Islands team. Taufa and Tanevesi will be going head-to head in their first match on Thursday, 16 November.
