Armed with a can-do attitude and boosted by the belief held in her by coach Karyn Murphy, Titans youngster Lailani Montgomery has stepped up to the challenge of being a jill-of-all-trades this season.
Currently filling in at fullback for the injured Jaime Chapman, Montgomery is primarily a half, but her first game of the season in Round 3 saw her come off the bench in jersey 14, ready to jump in at any position on the field.
Lailani Montgomery and Jaime Chapman embrace.
©Chloe Davis / NRL Images
“It’s been really exciting to be honest, exciting is the best word to use,” Montgomery said.
“I’ve had a big chat to Murphy this season and with people like Lauren Brown, Pauline (Piliae-Rasabale), Fui (Taliah Fuimaono) in that halves spot; I am only 20 and I’m working my way in; I’ve got some time in this game.
“Murph has just had so much confidence in me, making me play in different positions, so I am just taking whatever opportunities I can get.
“She has full faith in wherever I go. Having that 14 role was really exciting.
“I got to learn how to play hooker, learn how to go into any back line position.
“I think with my touch background, it was really fun to be able to fill in Chappo’s boots, so it’s been great.
Lainlani Montgomery in action against the Dragons in Round 8.
©Chloe Davis / NRL Images
“Murph’s been really awesome; just building my confidence honestly, just putting me wherever, that’s why I think she put me in that 14 role because I’m happy to give wherever a crack.
“I said to Murph, ‘wherever you put me in that 17, even if it’s prop, I’ll give it a crack’.
“I think I ended up playing lock for about 10 minutes in one game, but I’m just happy to be there. I’ll give anything for this team.
“I’ll throw my body on the line, so if I can get on the field, I’ll take whatever position she gives me.”
After playing her part in the Titans downing the Dragons last week, the Indigenous All Stars representative will be aiming to bring that same positive energy to her team’s next challenge – a Sunday night showdown with the Eels.
Now in the top six thanks to their three wins and a draw, the Gold Coast team need to continue winning to maintain their place in finals contention, with Parramatta just one of the teams hot on their heels.
“They are quite similar to us, to be honest; we fell off a few and I’m sure they have too,” Montgomery said.
“They’re definitely looking for a win like we all are, but it’ll just be a grind game.
“If we can just complete, get our sets done, do what we know we can, we’ll be sweet.
“Honestly, this team, we have a game plan, if we stick to it; we’ll be winning games for sure.
“(Playing in the finals again) is our goal for sure.
“It’s every team’s goal, but it’s something we take super seriously and the fact that we turn up week-in, week-out, that’s why we’re playing …
“But we will take it week-by-week; we won’t focus (too much) on what’s ahead, but just take our little steps first.”