Gunnedah girl Jayla Suey earns her shot at Souths trials

Jayla Suey’s star continues to shine with her selection into the 2024 under 17 South Sydney Rabbitohs team for the Lisa Fiaola Cup after trialling in September with around 50 other girls.

Mother Jamee Ovington said Jayla had trialled incredibly well, considering she favours union over league, and was officially offered a position in the 2024 squad.

“Jayla [has] attended her official induction into the Rabbitohs squad and received her official 2024 player’s kit,” Jamee said.

“She was incredibly proud and excited and very overwhelmed all at the same time.”

Jayla’s first trial game will be against the Sharks on December 16 with the Bulldogs and Tigers matches to follow. The nine-round competition begins on February 3.

“It is an amazing opportunity, especially being one of the youngest selected into the team,” Jamee said.

Under 17 South Sydney Rabbitohs representative and Gunnedah Junior Rugby junior, Jayla Suey.

“Jayla will be required to travel to Sydney 2-3 times a week for the next six months for training and games and will be working remotely on her school work in the car two days a week during that time.”

Jayla’s selection comes on the back of representative matches in the XVs state championships at Port Macquarie, playing for Sydney Southern Districts where the team finished third.

“She also represented her culture at the PCYC Nations of Origin rugby league competition for Kamilaroi coached by Emma Costello,” Jamee said.

Jayla has now been selected for the under 16 Koori team to play in the Pacifika Youth Cup rugby union competition in Sydney on November 24, 25 and 26.

The teen’s rapid rise through the ranks in a relatively short time, began in the Gunnedah Junior Rugby under 14s competition last year under the coaching of Emma Costello season, who has guided and developed her skills.

Jayla represented her club at the NSW Rugby girls’ leadership conference in Sydney and was given the honour of being flag-bearer at the Wallaroos game, also meeting the team before the match.