'Forever in awe': meet the two Illawarra teens carving out all-star careers

When Amarli Daszkowski crossed the line for her third try in the recent 2026 NSW junior rugby state sevens championships, there was someone special she was thinking about.

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The 15-year-old Illawarra rugby star had already helped put the Illawarriors under-15s girls in a strong position in the grand final against Randwick, but completing her hat-trick was about more than adding another try to the scoreboard.

The Illawarriors U15 Girls team celebrate after winning the 2026 NSW Junior Rugby State 7s Championships and, right, Amarli Daszkowski. Picture supplied

Her 12-year-old younger sister Lola has been Amarli's biggest supporter throughout her sporting journey, turning up to games, travelling to competitions and cheering her on every step of the way.

"My little sister is my biggest supporter and she is always there for me," Amarli said.

"She comes along to all my games and everything I go to she is always there.

"I dedicated the hat-trick to my little sister and my whole family, they do a lot for me."

For Amarli, having her little sister and family cheering her on at the tournament in Mudgee made the Illawarriors' championship triumph even more special.

The flying winger was the star of the show in the grand final as the Illawarriors team defeated Randwick 24-14 and were crowned state champions.

"I was quite shocked," she said of the moment she scored her third try.

"I thought we played really well as a team in the grand final, and especially during the last day we improved a lot.

"I was quite proud of our team and we played so good in the grand final."

Amarli only took up the sport of rugby a few years ago, but her sporting journey has also included rugby league, with Lola also starting to play rugby league herself.

The Illawarriors U15 Girls team celebrate after winning the 2026 NSW Junior Rugby State 7s Championships. Picture supplied

For Amarli's mum Kathleen, watching her daughter produce on the biggest stage was an emotional moment.

"I'm just forever in awe of her dedication and am so proud of who she is as a whole well-rounded person, not just her sports, but just how she carries herself in life," she said.

"As the captain, Amarli just felt like she needed to step up in the grand final.

"The Illawarra team was fairly young compared to some of the other teams.

"We had a lot of 14-year-olds in the team and I think Amarli just knew that she needed to step up in that moment and do what she does best."

Shaun McCreedy, coach of the Illawarriors under-15s girls team and also the Illawarra rugby development officer, praised the young rugby star for her outstanding achievement.

"What made the grand final win so special was that Amarli delivered when the pressure was at its highest against quality opposition," McCreedy said.

"Amarli is a genuine attacking threat who can change a game.

"She has natural ability, speed, determination and a real competitive instinct and confidence in her ability to back herself and isn't afraid of big moments."

Next up for the UOW Junior Rugby Club member is the NSW Country tournament at Camden in November, and after a championship winning hat trick, Amarli knows there will be someone special cheering her on.

The Illawarriors U15 Girls team proudly lift the shield. Picture supplied

The future is bright for Illawarra rugby with another young gun enjoying a rapid rise to success.

Kiama Rugby Club junior Jacob Austin was selected in the NSW Waratahs U15s team that recently enjoyed a two-match clean sweep in their Academy Series against rivals the Queensland Reds.

The young rugby star was a member of the U15s UOW Boys 7s team that toured Japan last January, with McCreedy full of praise for the rugby star.

"Jacob is a great young talent with plenty of potential" McCreedy said.

"He has good size and the physical attributes to develop into a strong, powerful forward, but more importantly he is a good person with a great attitude.

"I am looking forward to seeing how far he can go with continued hard work and development."

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