Wests Tigers young star Losana Lutu is soaking up the experience of her first NSW camp as she prepares to don the No.6 jersey in the Women’s State of Origin Under 19s on Thursday night.
And it’s all the more special for the Wests junior because she will take the field at the Tigers' spiritual home of Leichhardt Oval to kick off a bumper Representative Round.
“It’s a bit nerve-racking (representing NSW for the first time), I’m still very young but I am just enjoying the experience that I get to have with these other girls,” Lutu told nswrl.com.au.
“l’ve tried to learn a lot at Tigers, especially from my coach (Letitia Taylor and now-interim NRL coach Brett Kimmorley), and taken on feedback coming into NSW.”
It has been a big year for Lutu’s development but a welcome challenge, with the rising star progressing from the Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup to the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership at the open age level. She also represented the NSW City Under 19s at the Women’s National Championship less than a fortnight ago.
“Like I said before I’m still pretty young and I’m trying to learn a lot, but having that rep side of things really pushes me to my limits a bit,” she added.
“It really challenges me so I’m enjoying all that experience with the group.”
Having also filled in several positions at club level in 2022, including the outside backs, halves and dummy-half, her favourite role to play will be showcased on Thursday when she partners Indigenous Academy Sydney Roosters and NSW halfback Tayla Montgomery.
“I’ve moved around a lot, played hooker, half, but five-eighth is probably my favourite because a can play a bit more eyes-up,” Lutu said.
Lutu’s versatility reiterates how dynamic the 18-year-old can be when she’s on the attack; she not only plays with a run-first mentality but possesses a lethal sidestep to boot.
She will join a NSW side looking to remain unbeaten in the Under 19s Women’s Origin match since its inception in 2019 and she looks destined for bigger things with Wests Tigers earning a NRLW license for 2023.
“Honestly it’s so exciting (having a NRLW team),” Lutu said.
“I think it’s going to be really exciting especially for the younger girls, and it’s going to help them be more motivated to keep going and keep pushing for that NRLW time.
“It’s exciting and I’m excited as well.”
