LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Simaima Taufa, a forward for the Westpac NSW Blues Women, has reached a significant milestone by playing her 10th match in a representative jersey, which holds deep sentimental value for her.
According to nrl.com.au, Taufa first donned the NSW jersey in 2014 during a period when the clashes with Queensland were referred to as the Interstate Challenge.
The series transitioned to the State of Origin format in 2018.
Throughout her 11-year career, Taufa has faced various challenges, including injuries and shoulder surgery, which sidelined her from all three games in 2024 and limited her to just one game in 2023.
Despite these setbacks, she has participated in four Interstate Challenge matches and six Origin games, culminating in her upcoming 11th match in the front row at Suncorp Stadium.
This milestone has prompted Taufa to reflect on her journey, particularly regarding the tough competition from Queensland, who dominated the series with 16 consecutive wins from 1999 to 2014.
The streak was only interrupted by a draw in 2015, followed by NSW's first victory in 2016, which initiated a four-match winning streak for the Blues.
Taufa's resilience and dedication to the sport are evident, and despite the challenges she has faced, she shows no intention of stepping away from the game anytime soon.