Taylor embracing new responsibility as Sharks chase quick turnaround

Cronulla fullback Jada Taylor has opened up on the responsibility she feels to grow women’s rugby league and inspire the next generation of girls to take up the sport.  

The youngster burst on to the scene a few years ago with a stunning try in the State of Origin Under 19 game and has quickly developed into a leader within the sport. 

Taylor works for the Sharks as their Indigenous Program Coordinator, with the fullback eager to show girls that a career in rugby league is possible.  

“I certainly do feel a little bit responsible (for growing the game), and I think we all should,” Taylor said after Saturday's loss to the Titans.  

Originally from Tamworth, Taylor’s football journey began from the moment she started walking. Born into a rugby league family, the 22-year-old was surrounded by the sport from a young age.  

Taylor spent her early years watching her father and brother playing in the local Tamworth competition and credits the pair for inspiring her to embark on her own rugby league journey. 

“Every time I go out on the field, I feel grateful I'm called by my last name and am representing those two,” Taylor said.  

“Whenever I can, I get home to watch country rugby league because that is where my love for the game started."  

Taylor made her NRLW debut for the Roosters in 2022 before joining the Sharks for their inaugural season the following year.

The fullback has overcome a number of long-term injuries to make the Cronulla No.1 jumper her own and has developed into one of the most exciting attacking players in the competition.  

With explosive footwork and speed to burn, it's no secret why the Sharks have signed her until the end of 2027.  

“She's an energetic spark of a player; she can break a game open at any given time," Sharks captain Tiana Penatani Gray said. 

A proud Gamilaroi woman, Taylor represents her culture not only on the field but also in her community, helping to design the Sharks Indigenous Round jersey and contributing to the pre-game ceremony.

While her father and brother remain her biggest role models, Taylor has also been inspired by an Aboriginal icon throughout her career. Former Melbourne and South Sydney star Greg Inglis.

"I've been in the space for a little while; I’ve met GI a few times, and to be around him, he's such a legend and still has some great tips to give out."

The Sharks have endured a challenging start to the NRLW season, winning just one of their first six games amid a brutal injury toll.

Cronulla fell to the Titans in the opening week of Indigenous Round and have now turned their focus to a trip north to face the Cowboys in Townsville on Sunday night. 

While the results haven’t gone their way, Taylor said the side remains upbeat and they’re focused on turning their season around.

“No one can get out of this but ourselves,” she said. “We are really connected as a group but lacking a bit of direction at the moment.

“We’ve got to be the change if we want to turn this season around. 

“It comes down to the will to win. At the moment it doesn’t look like we have that, but we are giving it our all, and I feel we have the team to do good things."