Tayla Montgomery will play half-back in Manly's historic Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership match on Saturday, July 6.
We caught up with Tayla to learn more about her before the Sea Eagles clash with the Parramatta Eels at 4 Pines Park at 3pm.
See the Sea Eagles team here
Player Profile
Name: Tayla Montgomery
DOB: 16/5/2003
Birthplace: Australia
Position: Half-back
Nickname: Tay
What's your favorite rugby league memory growing up?
Being able to play for my state in 2022 as part of a winning NSW U19s team.
Who are your favourite rugby league players in NRL or NRLW?
Nathan Cleary and Isabelle Kelly
What does it mean to you to be part of the first Manly Harvey Norman’s Women’s team?
It’s a massive privilege to be part of the growth of women’s rugby league at Manly. I've loved everything this club is about from the first moment I came here. They have really looked after us and built an incredible culture between the staff and players. It makes it really exciting to see what we can do this year.
Funniest team-mate?
Chelsea Smyth
What are your goals this season?
My goals are to focus on strengthening key aspects of my game like my running game, game management in attack and defence, and the little one per centers. I want to enjoy this season with the girls and the footy I play.
Tell us about your family and any special achievements?
My family are my everything. They have always been my biggest supporters with anything I do. They have always dropped anything and sacrificed whatever they can to allow me to do what I love. I can't thank them enough. My Dad built up his own business, my brother is in the Navy, and my Mum's special achievement would be just being able to raise and run our household somehow.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my brother. I’ve always looked up to him. He's taught me not only how I want to carry myself as a person, but his mindset and work ethic with anything he does in life is something I’ve always tried to learn from. He is one of the most strong minded and dedicated people I am surrounded by. I've always been grateful. He has guided me in sport and life in general.
What's your favorite movie and why?
Top Gun Maverick. I think it’s pretty self explanatory because the actors in it are 👌🏽
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with my friends doing anything. I do enjoy a good sunrise coffee and breakfast.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning person
Coach Keith Hanley says:
"Tayla is a former NSW U19s Origin player and has come to us from the Sydney Roosters, so she has got a high pedigree in our game. A very smart game manager, a wise kicking game, and a strong half who defends well. She understands what we are trying to do in terms of getting to the places we need to be on the field and finishing our sets in the corners. Just the simple things like that. A really, smart player."
