Eliza Siilata is a Wests Tigers local junior who has demonstrated great ability, both on and off the field.
Once a shy girl, Siilata has broken out of her shell and has punched well above her weight in the forward pack this season.
The 19-year-old second row forward says she has grown in confidence after captaining the Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale side last year.
“Being named captain was a surprise to me because I was a really quiet and shy person,” said Siilata.
“It made me work harder and helped build my confidence as well as my character.”
Working with disability support service What Ability, which utilises professional and semi-professional athletes as support workers, has also helped Eliza’s personal development.
Wests Tigers gave Eliza the opportunity last year to complete a disability course and she jumped at the chance to work for What Ability.
“What Ability visited the club last year and discussed their workplace and community programs and straight away I wanted to join,” she said.
“I had no prior experienced and it was challenging at times but everything that came with it made me learn and grow so much individually.”
An NRLW debut in round one this season has made Eliza more aware of the influence she is having on others.
“I was shocked because I have just come into the NRLW, and I didn’t think younger girls looked up to me and knew my name,” Eliza said.
“It makes you think about what you’ve achieved and makes me want to play more and work harder to become a role model in the community.”
Eliza was a Macarthur Saints junior as an eight-year-old but after reaching the age limit for females, moved into netball and rugby union.
She returned to rugby league a few years later and played out the remainder of her juniors with Campbelltown Collegians before advancing into Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale side.
Playing the last three seasons with the Tarsha Gale side, Eliza was meant to progress into the Harvey Norman competition in 2022, though injury prompted her to take a break.
After an extremely promising first season of NRLW she is grateful for the opportunities Wests Tigers pathways system has given her.
“I’m more than grateful to be part of Wests Tigers pathways, especially as this club has so many pathways for other younger girls like me that grew up in the system,” Siilata said.
“Having the pathways' teams is special because we’ve built so many friendships and it has made it easier for me to focus on my goals."
Eliza played the first eight games in Wests Tigers' inaugural NRLW season, missing the final match against the Knights following a nasty head-knock against the Broncos.
