The Players: Portia Bourke

Portia Bourke will make her long-awaited NRLW debut this Sunday when Wests Tigers face St George Illawarra Dragons at Allianz Stadium.

After joining Wests Tigers as an injury replacement player barely over a week ago, Bourke has had a whirlwind past few days after finding out she'll be playing this weekend.

The daughter of former Bronco, David Bourke, Portia's maiden NRLW appearance is a moment that’s been years in the making for the 25-year-old from Brisbane, who admits the opportunity still feels surreal.

“It’s been my dream for so long,” Bourke said.

“I honestly thought it was a lie when my manager called me. I wasn’t actually expecting it.

“My parents were actually at a wedding that day, so I called my brother and I was like, 'You can’t say anything to Mum and Dad'. I called my middle brother and I said the same.

“I actually have the video telling Mum and Dad about it, they were crying, both of them.

Bourke’s rugby league journey began in 2020 with Valleys Diehards, before stints with Easts Tigers and Norths Devils in the BMD Premiership.

At Norths, under the guidance of former Jillaroos star Meg Ward, her game really started to blossom.

“I love defending, I’m not scared of contact. I do run up the ball really hard.

“I do lift the team; if we’re down in a game, I’m the one to bring that energy back.

I always play with my heart on my sleeve.

Portia Bourke

While the NRLW had been her goal from the start, Bourke admits she reached a point earlier this year where she decided to stop chasing it so hard.

“I was putting so much energy into making NRLW that it was draining me.

“I just decided to focus on what I could control - playing my best footy every week.

“It takes one person and one club to recognise your potential, and I think that’s why I’m so grateful for Noddy and the Tigers, because they have been the only club who've trusted me to now step up into NRLW.”

Away from the field, Bourke is a registered nurse and a self-confessed gym addict who loves keeping active.

But for now, her focus is firmly on Sunday and running out in black, white and orange for the first time.

“I think the moment I get too hyped up, I will go away from what I know,” she said.

“I’ll be super excited, super freaking nervous, but I will definitely try to stay level-headed and look at it as another game.

“I'll just keep it simple and play hard.”