At just 18 years old, Montaya Hudson has already established herself as a rising star in rugby league. The young dynamo from the Norths Devils who hails from Mt Isa was named in the Queensland Under-19 women’s squad, a testament to her undeniable talent.
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With her electrifying performances and unwavering dedication, Hudson is poised to make a lasting impact on the game she loves.
Family roots and early beginnings
Rugby league runs deep in Hudson’s veins. Her father and brothers, one of whom is part of the North Queensland Cowboys’ junior system, have all embraced the sport’s rugged spirit. It was this family tradition that ignited Hudson’s passion for rugby league from an early age.
Despite being too young to compete in the 2023 Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships, Hudson’s talent caught the attention of the Queensland Sapphires, the state’s premier development program.
She seized this invaluable opportunity, training alongside the best in the state and gaining invaluable experience that would shape her future.
Breakthrough season with Brisbane Tigers
Hudson’s breakthrough came in the 2023 BMD Premiership, where she joined the Brisbane Tigers under the guidance of Queensland Maroons great and coach Adrian Vowles.
“Vowlesy is really good. He has a lot of knowledge, is a great guy, good coach… just knows what he’s doing,” Hudson reflected.
It was there that she honed her skills, learned from seasoned professionals, and began to make her mark on the rugby league landscape.
Further development with Norths Devils
The 2024 season saw Hudson take another significant step forward, joining Meg Ward’s Norths Devils in the BMD Premiership. Her growing reputation also earned her a well-deserved selection for the Queensland Under-19 Emerging Squad.
Her season with the Norths Devils was nothing short of exceptional. In 10 appearances, she scored an impressive 6 tries and provided 7 try assists, showcasing her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
She also broke 20 tackles and made 3 line breaks while racking up a total of 634 running metres, averaging 63 metres per game.
One of the standout moments of Hudson’s season was her try in the BMD Premiership grand final against the Mackay Cutters — the sole one for the Devils. Despite the 16-6 loss, Hudson’s try was a moment of pure brilliance, and perhaps a peek at her full potential.
Future prospects and inspiration
Looking ahead, Hudson’s focus remains steadfast: making her stamp in the Under-19 interstate clash against New South Wales and continuing her growth with the Brisbane Broncos on a development contract. The prestige of representing the Broncos is not lost on the young star.
Hudson draws inspiration from players like Tamika Upton, a Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons star and 2023 Dally M medal winner. Competing against Upton in the BMD Premiership has been an “eye-opening” experience for Hudson, motivating her to improve continuously and reach new heights.
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Montaya Hudson’s journey from the small town of Mt Isa to the bright lights of Brisbane is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for rugby league. As she continues to hone her skills and gain experience, the rugby league world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in her inspiring story.
Published 14-June-2024
