NRLW Players: Emily Curtain

As a twelve-year-old holding her own against the boys, there were doubts as to whether her rugby league journey would continue.

But with the help of her junior coach in developing an all-female competition, Emily Curtain has continued to shine as one of the game's rising stars.

“You have now got something to look forward to and it blows my mind all the opportunities there are now," said Curtain.

“I wanted to start playing footy a year earlier, but my parents wouldn’t let me because I was too small.

Once I started playing for Eagle Vale St Andrews I loved it.

Emily Curtain

"I played with the boys up until I was 12, which was when I didn’t know if I could continue playing.”

“Thankfully my coach at the time Shannon Dengate helped created a female only competition in the Macarthur district.”

Emily has made steady progress through Wests Tigers pathways teams but she had to wait a while before satisfying the age eligibility rule to play Tarsha Gale (U19s).

She was soon named vice captain of the side before gaining selection in the inaugural NSW U18s State of Origin team in 2019.

After moving into Wests Tigers Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side for the next few seasons, the 21-year-old half was rewarded with an NRLW contract with Parramatta Eels, making her debut at the beginning of 2022.

Curtain played a key role in helping Wests Tigers claim the club's maiden title in the NSW Women's Premiership.

Making the grand final after a poor start to the season, Curtain’s tenacity and toughness shone bright. She kicked the conversion to force golden point, before slotting the winning field goal, all while on one leg.

“We had a rocky start to the season, 0-4 in the first four rounds, and we knew we had to win every game from then on to play finals football,” Curtain said.

“I was injured most of the season with my knee and I was just doing everything to get myself right to play in the final, and I actually went off halfway through.

“Going back on when we scored, I put my hand up to kick the goal.

We had been practicing the last two weeks for a field goal set up so when we got down the Sharks end, I knew what was going to happen.

Emily Curtain

“As soon as I kicked it I knew it was going over and I still get goosebumps every time I watch it. I’ve watched it well over 100 times.”

Emily sees herself as one of the leaders in Wests Tigers inaugural NRLW squad but says she still has much to learn.

"Botille (Vette-Welsh) presented me with my debut jersey in our HNW team, and I know I can learn a lot from her about leadership," Curtain said.

Curtain is also keen to learn a lot more under inaugural head coach Brett Kimmorley.

“I’ve learnt so much from him and having him around the group brings so much professionalism and a great vibe," she said.

“It’s the footy I love to play, moving the ball around and knowing you have the confidence to do it and trusting yourself and the team to execute when needed.”

Curtain is keen to 'rip in' to the first season and is excited for other young girls who now have a path to follow.

"It's amazing that you can now go from Under 14s to NRLW at the same club," she said.

"To be one of the first girls to go through the pathways at the club is a great achievement.

"I think it shows younger girls what is possible with hard work and persistence."