Destiny Brill: 'It’s an honour and privilege'
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Destiny Brill is a fierce competitor.
During the past year she has been fierce for the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons, fierce for North Queensland Gold Stars in the BMD Premiership and fierce for Gold Coast Titans then Sydney Roosters in the NRLW.
The 19-year-old is looking to maintain that fierce spirit when she lines up for the Māori All Stars against the Indigenous All Stars on Saturday.
“It’s an honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to represent my heritage,” Brill said.
“It fills the void that I have playing away from home. And I find it so important because I’ve come from a low socioeconomic area of Taranaki where the success rate of fulfilling a dream like mine is very low.
“But seeing Gayle Broughton (my teammate) coming from the same hometown make it big at a young age has inspired me… it’s always been my childhood dream to represent my culture.
“I’ve come through Rangatahi pathways. I’m a representation of many young Maori/Pacific Islander girls that grow up here in Aotearoa, dreaming to play in these platforms but don’t get the opportunity. So the importance for me is setting the example.”
Brill, who scored a try during her Origin debut for the Maroons just two weeks after turning 18 in 2021, said being in the team with several Queenslanders was “pretty cool”.
“We have that bond and connection on and off the field already,” Brill said.
The 2021 RLPA Rookie of the Year said her aim for Saturday’s game was to “play hard for my team and be that leader through the middle of the pack”.
“Try to keep composed and make the right decisions and mostly make my family proud,” she added.
Brill said following on from this weekend, she looked forward to lining up with the likes of Evania Pelite for Souths Logan Magpies in the BMD Premiership.
“Hopefully I make it to the finals for BMD again and play better footy than I did last year and hopefully the same for NRLW… pick up a few more new skills, but make sure that my physical and mental prep work is on point,” Brill said.
“Hopefully I have a good season in BMD and then be lucky enough to make the Origin side again.
“Pre-season has been pretty good. I have been resetting my mental, physical and emotional wellbeing to align with my desired personal outcomes for this year.”
