Claudia is living large in the moment: 'If you fall, you get back up'

Right then, Claudia Kenniff's youthfulness had, in a way, no bearing whatsoever on that dramatic, try-scoring moment: she was a rugby player, just like the oldest player on the field.

A short time later, the 18-year-old sat with her right hung over a railing like the teenager she is.

In year 12 at McCarthy Catholic College, she has no idea what she will do post-school - although travel appeals to her - and seems content to live in the moment.

And keep scoring tries, like her aforementioned effort in a 37-26 round one win over Armidale.

"I'm hoping to play for many more years to come - I love it," the second-year Magpie said, adding: "I love all the girls, and I love playing."

It was Kenniff's English teacher, Tahlia Urquhart, who steered the teen to rugby and the Magpies two years ago. Urquhart also plays for Tamworth.

"She's a great teacher and a great teammate," said the hooker-cum-prop, whose rugby experience has been aided by her grittiness.

"If you fall, you get back up," she said.

Growing up, Kenniff had wanted to be a police officer. "But I'm not too sure about that anymore."

She is, however, sure of her relationship with rugby and a certain venerable rugby club: "I'm feeling good about it."

No doubt the feeling is mutual.