THIS season has been a massive year on the football paddock for Leeton's Tess Staines.
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The year 12 student is currently weighing up her options when it comes to a professional career in women's rugby league, but is still unsure what path she wants to take following the completion of school.
It has been a year of many triumphs for the young sporting star, with her most recent one she won't forget after helping the Yanco-Wamoon Hawks to their first ever league tag grand final and premiership.
"That was just so exciting for us a team ... you can't beat that feeling of winning a grand final," Tess said.
"It was unreal."
Tess was unable to play in the Hawks first final against the Black and Whites after being selected to attend a camp in Queensland for elite female athletes.
"They flew me up to that and I was there for four days ... it was a lot of skills and training," Tess said.
"It doubled as selection for the Prime Minister's 13 in Fiji."
That rugby league competition will be held next month. While official announcements about the team are yet to be made, Tess is likely a certain inclusion after hitting all the right targets at the camp.
In 2019, Tess has also been part of the NSW under 18s Origin side, which took on Queensland in June at North Sydney Oval.
She was also part of the winning Riverina Bulls team that won the first ever Country Rugby League Championship.
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Her performances with the Bulls led her to being selected in the NSW women's country team, which finished second at the National Championships also in June.
The big year on the football field and what she has achieved is no small feat.
However, Tess is a player who takes everything as it comes and said she just wanted to give every opportunity her best shot.
It doubled as selection for the Prime Minister's 13 in Fiji.
- Tess Staines
"I have learned a lot ... it's been very different to playing league tag here and then playing at these higher levels," she said.
"I've met some really great people. When I was in the country team it was pretty amazing getting to play with the professional players.
"I couldn't believe it really.
"I just love playing footy."
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