Refreshed Harden, feeling prepared to rejoin the All Stars.
Tallisha Harden, the captain of the North Queensland Cowboys, is excited about the All Stars game in Townsville next year with a new knee and a fresh outlook after missing the previous two games due to injury.
After battling persistent knee problems and undergoing surgery earlier this year, Harden said, “On a personal level, it’s really exciting for me because I’ve missed the last two with injuries. I am just really excited to be back.”
“Obviously, we have a fantastic young team that has performed admirably throughout the NRLW, and the fact that the game is being held in Townsville is fantastic for our community because far North Queensland has a very strong football culture.
It’s such an intense conversation.
community; therefore, our goal is to encourage the next generation of Tamika Uptons and Reuben Cotters to either play or simply support our game. This is a very dynamic place where football is immensely popular.
The Cowboys recently revealed that co-captain Harden has re-signed for the 2024 campaign. Harden is eager for the upcoming football season, far from allowing thoughts of retirement to seep in due to her physical condition.
But Harden was certain she could play for at least one more season after working with Cowboys NRLW head of athletic performance Daniel Strickland and hearing encouraging remarks from friends and former teammates.
“I am extremely happy. I was considering retirement for a short while, but I wanted to express my gratitude to Daniel Strickland for his incredible efforts over the past eight weeks in getting me back in a position where I can trust my body.”
“I feel fantastic. I truly wanted to sign a new 12-month contract because of the mentality we have here at the Cowboys
I talk to a good group of friends, like Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Tarryn Aiken, who are just great sounding boards for decisions like that. They told me, “No, buddy, you have to keep playing, don’t be silly,” but it’s obvious that you have to trust your body because you don’t want to go out there and realize you can’t perform your job.
“Yet my body feels great, life is good, and I can’t wait to spend time outside with the girls, big or small—I don’t mind; I just want to be a part of it.”
There is still a ton of football left, including the All Stars game, before the NRLW season begins in July.
Having played for the team the last time All Stars was held in Townsville, Harden is a well-known and inspirational figure in the Indigenous rugby league community. He has also captained the All Stars team on multiple occasions. This time around, Harden is looking forward to more opportunities to interact with the local community.
Harden, who is currently employed by the Cowboys as an Indigenous Community Engagement Officer, has watched the All Stars concept develop over time and is grateful to see how well-received it has been by rugby league supporters.
“It’s much more than just a game; I believe Preston Campbell would be proud of what’s happened since he began this All Stars journey back in 2010,” Harden remarked.
“Thanks to Preston and the NRL, we have this fantastic yearly game where we can display our Indigenous, First Nations, and Māori ability. We also get to go out into the community and share our adventures and tales, blending in and becoming a part of the next generation of youth.
