Paikea Tane’s introduction to rugby league came in Year 6, when she took the field for her school — and found herself the only girl out there. That kind of debut shapes you. It planted something that hasn’t left her, nurtured by growing up in a household where the game was part of life, with her brother beside her every step of the way.
She has since earned her way into the Capras Under 19s — a career highlight she’s proud of — and now the target is the senior Capras team. Paikea’s pre-game ritual is simple: gather the team and pray together. That community instinct carries into everything she brings to the group. The biggest lesson footy has given her? You have to work hard to be the best. Her advice to young players is equally honest: remember to have fun — it’s not all about winning.
Off the field, Paikea is an artist and a reader. She doesn’t have a game-day pump-up song or a go-to hidden talent, and she’ll tell you that herself without flinching. She follows the All Blacks, dreams of Greece, and fuels match day with cheese and crackers. The Notebook is her favourite film. Books are the one thing she can’t live without. And if rugby league hadn’t worked out, she’d be making art somewhere.
#OnTheField
Position: Back / Forward
Junior Club: Rockhampton Tigers
What’s your first memory playing rugby league? Playing for school in Year 6 — and being the only girl.
Who introduced you to the game? I grew up with it, through my brother.
Career Highlight: Making the Capras Under 19s.
Pre-Game Ritual/Superstition: Pray together with the team before the game.
Most Memorable Game: Under 17 grand final.
What’s Your Personal Goal for the year? Make the Capras team.
What’s the biggest lesson footy has taught you? You have to work hard to be the best.
What advice would you give to young players starting out in footy? Remember to have fun — it’s not all about winning.
#OffTheField
If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be? An artist.
Childhood Hero: Masada.
Favourite Game-Day Pump-Up Song: I don’t have one.
Hobbies: Reading, painting.
Favourite Post-Game Meal: GYG.
Favourite Sports Team (Outside Rugby League): All Blacks.
Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: Talent is good, but you have to work hard to be better.
Favourite Holiday Destination: Greece.
Dream Team You’d Love to Play For: The Sharks.
#CaprasTop3
Game Day Snacks: Cheese and crackers.
Movies of All Time: The Notebook.
Meals: Steak and chips.
Sporting Idols: Masada.
Bucket List Destinations: New Zealand.
Things You Can’t Live Without: Books.
Worst Drills at Training: Anything fitness.
Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Falling backwards while running on the side.
#TeamTalk
Who is the team pest? Gemma.
Who takes the longest to get ready? Taila.
Who would you not want to be stuck on a desert island with? Taila.
Who is the best dressed on the team? Paina.
Who is the biggest joker on the team? Gemma.
