Westpac NSW Blues Women’s forward Simaima Taufa has finally reached double figures in the representative jersey very dear to her heart.
Taufa first played for NSW in 2014, when the annual clashes with Queensland were known as the Interstate Challenge. The series was rebranded State of Origin in 2018.
But there have been some injuries over the past 11 years including shoulder surgery, which kept her out of all three games in 2024 after playing just one game in 2023.
However, with her four Interstate Challenge matches and six Origins the Canberra Raiders captain has reached 10.
She will play her 11th in the front row for the Westpac NSW Blues at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
It has given Taufa time to reflect on being on the losing end – the Maroons won 16 straight (1999-2014) until a draw in 2015 and then NSW’s first win in 2016 to start a four-match winning streak.
The Origin win-loss record has Queensland ahead 4-3 with NSW losing the past two series (2023-24).
Taufa doesn’t like losing. She also likes being in the firing line and has played five of her six Origins in the front row, the other was at lock.
“The first thing that popped into my head coming into this campaign is purpose and opportunity,” Taufa said.
“Our purpose is to continue what the players before us started.
“More recently we’ve also lost a couple of series so there’s that wrestle to get the respect back into the jersey as there was back in 2015 (4-4 draw in Townsville).
“I was part of that era and I’m grateful for that because it’s taught me so much about the history of the jersey and what it means to wear it.
“Now to be able to take the field on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium – such a momentous field with a very rich Origin history there – is incredible,” Taufa said.
“It’s another three-game Origin series and I never thought that day would come.
“It proves if you set your mind towards something anything is achievable. We’ve also seen the NRLW come to fruition through all the hard work of past players.
“To be able to go as long as I have, and to be a part of such significant teams, has been unreal.”
Taufa turned 31 in the NSW camp this week and has no plans of taking a back seat where Origin is concerned.
“I take so much from every campaign. And I get to see debutants each time and this year it’s Ellie Johnston, Jayme Fressard, Jocelyn Kelleher and Abbi Church.
“It’s pretty surreal how far everyone has come and how much this jersey has had to overcome.
“There is real resilience in this jersey – the blood, sweat and tears that has gone into this jersey from all the players and staff of the past.”
Taufa has heroines and heroes in her Rugby League journey.
“I’ve been blessed to have great people around me. I looked up to Ruan Sims and Eliana Walton, who were forwards I enjoyed watching,” she said.
“I also have males that I look up to as they play the same position as me.
“I enjoy watching Jason Taumalolo, Payne Haas, Mitch Barnett … players like that you watch and admire the skills that they have. I learn a lot from them all and try to put it into my own game.”
