It’s a surname synonymous with rugby union and rugby league on Sydney’s northern beaches, and Mikaela Trbojevich is now striving to find a way into the NSW Waratahs Women 2020 Super W squad.
Named in the initial 47-player pre-season squad, Trbojevich is looking to make good her goal of being a Super W player the only way she knows how – hard work.
“I’m going to work and work to make that 30 and make my family proud,” Mikaela said.
“When we have a goal we want to hit it, our family – especially our parents – really want us to succeed and they’ll do everything in their power to help us succeed.”
Mikaela’s dad, Ryan is a Warringah Rats stalwart and has been an ongoing presence in his daughter’s development as a player – coaching the Rats Jack Scott Cup side.
She’s also cousins with Jake, Tom and Ben (who recently signing a senior contract) Trbojevic from the Manly Sea Eagles.
“He (Ryan) was a bit of a club legend, his nickname was Turbo, Tom’s now stolen it off him,” Jake said.
“Ryan’s the real Turbo. He’s coached Miki, he’s coached at the Rats, he does a lot for the game and was a great player for a long time so it’s great to see Miki follow in his footsteps.
“I’m very happy and proud, she’s worked extremely hard, it’s great to see her doing so well at such a young age.”
It’s another step in the 19-year-olds sporting journey, who spent her teenage years in the UK where she first began playing rugby.
“I always wanted to play rugby but I didn’t know I wanted to do it professionally – I didn’t know women could do it professionally at a young age,” Mikaela said.
“When I moved to England and started, I saw how Australian women’s rugby was growing and it really made me want to come back.
“I saw the Aussie Sevens growing and I wanted to be a part of that, then I realised I was too short and slow for that, so I thought maybe XVs would be a good crack at that.”
Surrounded by sporting role models in a famous family, Mikaela is not short of inspiration as she chases her dream of playing Super W.
“My dad is a really good role model to look up to as a footy player,” Mikaela added.
“Jake does the hard yards and I want to be like that, I want to be a player everyone relies on rather than being a finisher.
The NSW Waratahs Women Super W squad for 2020 will be finalised in mid-December.
