The Hunter River Times

After a stellar performance on field at the NSW City versus Country Womens Under 18 Rugby, Singleton’s Matilda Magyar has been offered and accepted a position with the Brothers Rugby Club in Brisbane.

The 18-year-old headed north two weeks ago and to say she is excited about the opportunity would be an understatement.

The offer includes a full time job and a house that she moved into last Monday.

2023 was a big year for Matilda completing her HSC while boarding at Armidale.  While studies were a focus, it was the representative rugby opportunities that captured her heart.

She was captain of the rugby team at her school and represented Central North in the State Cup but it was her representative club performances that captured the interest of Brothers selectors.

Playing for the Armidale Blues Club, Matilda went on to be selected in the regional team followed by NSW Country that played NSW City in Maitland earlier this year.  Country won the fiercely contested game with Matilda putting in a strong performance in the position of hooker.

Brothers coaching staff have suggested to Matilda that she will likely be moved to flanker given her small build.

“They have said I’m a bit small for the front row,” Matilda told The Hunter River Times.

At 159 centimetres in height and weighing in at 68 kg, Matilda tends to agree given the opposition she will face at this next level of competition.

Her team will play in the Queensland Premier League that is just one level below the Super Womens National Competition.

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, last weekend Matilda was asked to trial for the Gold Coast Elite Development Program that targets players for the Queensland Reds.

Not to get too far ahead of herself, for now Matilda is just enjoying pre-season training, getting to know her teammates and settling into her routine.

Singleton is definitely very proud of this spirited young girl but none more so than her parents, Christine Arnull and Paul Magyar.

– Di Sneddon