The Year 6 Holy Family student was recently selected in the first Central West under 13 rugby union 7s team and competed in the state championship tournament in Coffs Harbour on the weekend of October 7 and 8. 

It was the first time Jorja has played the code.

“NSW Rugby Union sent a flyer to school so I decided to try out even though I’ve never played before,” she said.

“I thought I might like it.”

This is the first time under 13 girls have had the opportunity to play at the championships.

Jorja’s father David said NSW rugby held two tryout days in Dubbo.

“You had to try to attend both,” David said.

“The majority of the tryouts targeted the girls fitness as well as their ball skills.

“Once selected, they continued training and attended a two day training camp at Burrendong Dam with NSW Rugby.” 

Because she is only 12, Jorja will have another year in the 13s next year if she is re-selected.

The team were runners up in the tournament, beaten by Gordon from Sydney.

“The Central West girls got beaten by them in a pool game and then got beaten by them again in the finals,” David said.

“But second in the state is a great result given it was the first game of rugby some of the girls had played.”

Jorja said she was a bit nervous leading up to the tournament.

“I was excited but I was nervous as well because it was my first game of 7s rugby and first time and I knew I would have to tackle,” she said.

“I made some really good friends in the team though which made it easier.” 

David said Jorja improved in each game and showed more confidence as the tournament went on.

“It was her first experience at this level in Rugby but she has represented the catholic diocese this year in touch football, soccer, swimming and athletics.

Jorja plays touch football in town in the weekly competition as well as for the Parkes Pumas. She also plays league tag for Parkes Marist who made the grand final this year. Jorja was awarded runner up Player of the Year for the whole of the under 12 competition.

“League tag and touch football are my favourite sports, but I do quite like rugby 7s,” she said.

“Im hoping now that women’s rugby 7s is part of the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, I will be able to play and represent Australia one day.”

David said Central West Rugby will be holding rugby 7s gala days this term which Jorja will attend to gain more experience.

“She is also hoping to get selected in the Group XI under 14 league tag representative team next year,” he said.  

“And of course she wants to be selected again next year in the under 13s rugby 7s team.”