NRLW Players: Najvada George

Never in a million years did Najvada George think she would be playing rugby league, yet alone NRLW.

But thanks to family and coaching staff, the Victorian-born forward has navigated her way to the top of the women’s game as she enters her fifth season with Wests Tigers.

“I had to get out of Melbourne to succeed in the sport because it wasn’t going to happen,” said George.

If I wanted to get better and have crack at the NRLW, I knew I had to relocate to NSW.

Najvada George

Growing up as a basketballer in Melbourne for the then Dandenong Rangers (now Southside Flyers), Najvada’s interest in rugby league started after watching her father and partner both play for the Werribee Bears.

Najavda begun playing for Werribee’s women’s side in 2017 but had to make a tough decision about where she wanted her career to head.

“I started playing rugby league on the side because if the Rangers found out I was playing they would get really angry,” admitted George.

“I would play league in the morning, quickly shower, then go to my basketball game.

“At the time I wasn’t really enjoying basketball and I wanted to play something that would make me enjoy playing sport again.”

The decision to switch soon paid off. 

In 2018 George represented the Victorian State team in the Women’s National Championships, the Combined Affiliated States team, and the Prime Ministers XIII, all in a twelve-month period.

She says she’s loved her time with Wests Tigers and believes there are strong foundations for success.

“The bond and culture we’ve created is why I want to continue playing for the club,” she said.

Most of us have been playing together for a few seasons and we’ve become a family.

Najvada George

“We are very fortunate to have a system through the juniors right into seniors, which makes it easier to gel and click.

The system we follow goes right from the bottom to the top, so any adjustments made are minor because of it.”

“We have each other’s backs on and off the field and I believe that makes the Tigers.”

The 2022 season was highly successful for George, named Player of the Year for Wests Tigers Harvey Norman Women’s side in its premiership winning year.

The 24-year-old says it was extra special for her after a horror run with injuries.

“Last season was a comeback season after doing my ACL in 2020, with spending 2021 riddled with niggles,” said George.

“I was contemplating whether to continue or give up, but I pushed through and I was really focused on getting back.

“I wouldn’t have got that player of the year medal without my teammates and if I could I would give a little piece of it to every player and member of the coaching staff.”

Having played NRLW for both the Dragons and Eels, George knows it’s a big step up from the NSW Women’s Premiership.

“The difference between Harvey Norman and NRLW competitions is it’s like a grand final every game.

“As a player it helped me grow transitioning into the NRLW from the Harvey Norman because you have to instantly adjust.

“All I want to do each week is get better as a person and as a player and do well for my team.”