After a gruelling rehabilitation journey from a knee injury, NSW Waratahs Women’s hooker Adiana Talakai is back and more determined than ever.
Talakai, whose ACL injury ruled her out of the Wallaroos last year, is keen to lift the NSW Waratahs as they prepare for their anticipated Round 3 Super Rugby Women’s clash against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore Stadium on Sunday.
The NSW Waratahs men play Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific against the Queensland Reds the night before (Saturday) at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane,
“Nothing compares to game fitness,” Talakai told media on Tuesday.
“I’d been running straight lines, curved lines — everything in training — but once you’re back on the field, it’s a different challenge.
“Last week [playing off the bench against the Western Force] was tough on the lungs, but I’m just grateful to be out there again with the girls.”
The road to recovery was as much a mental battle as it was physical.
Talakai found solace in teammates and the broader NSW Waratahs squad, including the men who helped her stay focused through the toughest periods.
“It was a tough process, and I was lucky to go through it with my teammate ‘Chance’,” she said, referring to teammate Emily Chancellor.
“We had a great rehab group alongside some of the men’s players [in rehabilitation] like Jackson Ropata and Mesu [Kunavula].
"They were there with us every step of the way.
“The biggest challenge was keeping my love for the game alive when I wasn’t able to be on the field.
“But I found my purpose, I found my drive, and now I’m ready to give everything for this team.”
With her comeback gaining momentum, Talakai is now turning her focus to the NSW Waratahs’ long-standing rivalry with the Queensland Reds.
Sunday’s match against the Reds presents an opportunity for the team to reaffirm their dominance over domestic competition.
Talakai is especially excited to come up against Eva Karpani in the clash of the front rows.
“She’s called the K-Train for a reason,” Talakai said of her close friend and former NSW Waratahs teammate.
“Obviously, our job is to nullify her impact, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“The rivalry between NSW and Queensland is massive — better dead than red, as we say.
"We’ve never lost to an Australian team, and we don’t intend to start now.”
When: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Where: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 3:05 PM (AEDT)
The game will be televised Live, ad-free and on-demand on Stan Sport – The Home of Rugby
