After five seasons with Wests Tigers, Taylor Osborne’s dedication to the club was finally rewarded with an NRLW debut in round one.
Her journey to the NRLW began late, one that was influenced by long-time high school friend and current captain Botille Vette-Welsh.
The 26-year-old second row began playing rugby league in her late teens and says Vette-Welsh has been a huge influence.
“I don't think my parents were overly keen on me playing rugby league, so I didn't begin playing until I was 18, after playing netball until that age,” Osborne said.
“Botille told me in high school she was going off to play rugby union one weekend and I tagged along.
“She gave me my first pair of boots and ever since I’ve been tagging along from there to Cabramatta’s Harvey Norman side and then here to Wests Tigers where I’ve been ever since.
I love her. She’s one of my best friends and I owe a lot of my footy career to her.
Taylor Osborne
Starting in last season’s 2022 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership victory, Osborne hopes to have a positive influence on the next generation female players.
“I have a good relationship with the girls and the club and I definitely believe I am a leader in terms of how I train,” she said.
“I really enjoy being a Wests Tigers player as it is a great club to be around and I’m very fortunate for the opportunities they’ve given me over the past five years.
Taylor’s game has evolved in recent years after starting her football as a winger.
“I started on the wing when I was first introduced to rugby league, so moving into second row I had to beef up a little and get good at my craft,” said Osborne.
Having to work hard due to her late start to the sport, Taylor is proud of her achievements.
“I’ve been working really hard in my position at the Tigers and it’s nice to see the rewards, even though it’s a bit later than most.
“Only starting a few years prior, I was still very hesitant in some aspects of the game, so I definitely think I’m good now I’ve got more experience under my belt.”
“I’m glad it took me longer than most because I have put in the work now for five years and I know I’m up to the standards where I’m ready to play NRLW.”
Osborne is excited for the future of women’s rugby league at Wests Tigers and hopes to be involved with the club for many years to come.
“I think with the NRLW expanding and people becoming more aware, younger girls are going to have more and more opportunities to play for Wests Tigers,” she said.
Down the track when I have kids and my daughter gets to play for Wests Tigers, I think that will be amazing.
Taylor Osborne
