IT takes a lot of talent to make a mark in rugby league.
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And, Muswellbrook's Matilda Jones has bucket loads.
So much so, she gained a berth in the Newcastle Knights' under-18 women's tackle outfit for the 2020 Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup.
The side suffered early hiccups in the competition, losing to the Sharks 36-12, Steelers 30-0 and Bulldogs 32-8 - ironically, all in the St Joseph's High School Aberdeen Year 11 student's absence.
But, after finally receiving the starting call-up from coach Josh Potapczyk, Jones has made every post a winner in the five-eighth position.
The Knights were pipped 8-4 by the Eels in a closely-fought encounter, before putting the Raiders to the sword 30-4.
"It was a good victory on the back of a whole team effort," she said.
"It's the first time I've been selected in the squad.
"Between 70 and 80 girls attended trials at Valentine (Newcastle) in September.
"Then they cut that number to about 32.
"So, I was pretty excited to be named.
"The standard between this and playing for the Muswellbrook Ramettes under-16s in the CRL Central Hunter premiership is completely different.
"Training's a lot harder, too.
"It's a great challenge for me."
Unfortunately, the Tarsha Gale Cup will shut down until at least May 31 as New South Wales Rugby League suspended all major NSWRL tournaments this week in response to the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The decision was made by the NSWRL in partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL) and all affiliated states, and after carefully considering the advice from widespread consultation with NRL chief medical officer Dr Paul Bloomfield, government agencies and other key stakeholders.
"It's frustrating, especially when we just got our first win," Jones said.
"However, I understand why the measures have been put in place.
"When we return, we're due to face the Wests Tigers, Panthers, Dragons and the Indigenous Academy in the remaining rounds."
The Knights are usually front-runners in the competition, having contested the past two grand finals.
But, Jones admits it's a new-look line-up in 2020.
"We've only got a handful of girls from last year," she said.
"So, we're probably lacking a bit of experience.
"I'm positive we'll finish strongly.
"At this stage, we're targeting a top eight spot.
"That's the main aim.
"This competition is a great stepping stone for the NRLW.
"It's a goal of mine to play in it one day."