A sensational win on enemy turf was followed by Blues star Simaima Taufa showing her gratitude for supporters as she gave a young fan her boots in a touching act.
The NSW lock impressed on the field at Suncorp Stadium with 134 run metres as she earned the title of league great Phil Gould’s “favourite player of all time”.
Like many players in the game, it is common they are asked to give away their boots by a fan in the crowd – and it was a question Taufa was asked on Thursday by a young boy.
READ MORE: Gould in awe of Blues young gun after ‘stellar’ return
READ MORE: Major question looms as ‘off the pace’ veteran struggles
READ MORE: ‘Horrible scenes’ as Bombers win soured by gruesome injury
The 31-year-old was pictured signing her boots and handing them to the youngster on the sidelines before joining Nine’s Marlee Silva to discuss the match.
“You know, that’s what we do. This great game of rugby league is so inclusive and its young boys and young girls,” Taufa said.
Simaima Taufa signs and gifts her boots to a young boy at Suncorp Stadium. Nine
“To give away my boots, it plays a small part in my and my contribution to the game.
“To see a smile on his face and to share the story that, you know, I’m player 162. That’s the first ever number I’ve had and I’m proud of it.
“I carry the legacy and the history of past players and staff that went before me.
“To be able to share that with that young man, I’m hoping he is able to go back and pass that on to his little sister, to the community, to young girls out there.
“I’m just happy to play a small part in that.”
Watch the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Taufa’s efforts saw her junior football club Mounties, based in Liverpool, awarded $2000 courtesy of McDonalds to develop the next generation of rugby league stars.
The funding for her junior club was one Taufa admitted was an honour as she hopes her talent will continue to inspire and “pave the way” for the next generation of stars.
Simaima Taufa and Kennedy Cherrington celebrate NSW’s win. Getty
“When we were younger, we didn’t have anyone to look up to,” Taufa continued.
“The purpose that we lay out as players is for the young girls and young men to be inspired to play the great game. We’re providing the choice for young girls to aspire to be just like us. The way we pave the way and give back to the community.
“We’ve got a long way to go but we are still leading it.
“To be at the biggest stage in such a significant moment – we broke the crowd record today – to be here at Suncorp Stadium and to do it in enemy territory is (incredible).”
