HER father was a talented rugby player representing two NSW Country Zones and the NSW Country Cockatoos.
Tony Norton excelled in rugby and during his illustrious playing career he donned the blood and bandages of the Grafton Redmen.
And it appears his rugby talent has been passed on to his daughter Emily, who is making her own mark in a Redmen jersey.
A regular member of the Grafton Redmen Women’s side, Norton has been selected in the Northern NSW Invitational Barbarians side to take on the Hunter Wildfires in an Exhibition game as part of the Festival of Rugby in Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
After a strong showing in the Northern versus Southern Mid North Coast Trials a few weeks ago, Norton caught the eye of selectors.
“Yeah, I got selected in the Northern Mid North Coast side and must have played okay,” she said.
“When I found out I was then selected for the Exhibition game I was in total shock.
“I played outside centre and wing and was lucky enough to score a try. I can’t wait to play; it should be an amazing experience.
“I have been working hard during the off-season on my fitness and skill levels”
Her father Tony also played in the outside backs early in his career before moving closer to the action in the all-important five-eighth role.
“I know dad loved his rugby and played for a lot of sides including, Grafton, Lismore, Kempsey, Brisbane, Mid North and Far North Coasts zones and NSW Country,” Norton revealed.
When asked if her father, who occasionally ventures out to the Redmen grounds to watch his daughter play on Saturdays, shares any words of wisdom after the game, the Redmen speedster sported a wry grin before answering.
“For sure…and he’s very critical,” Norton laughed. “Seriously, dad does pass on valuable advice which I appreciate, so I do listen to him.”
Norton will be joined on Saturday by Redmen teammates Tamar McHugh, Yuri Fuller and Natalie Blackadder in the Invitational side.
It promises to be a huge day for the Redmen quartet who will also take on Port Pirates in the opening round of the Mid North Coast Women’s competition.
“We play Pirates in the morning and then the Exhibition game late afternoon,” Norton added.
“It will be a long day, but we have a long break between games, so I think we’ll handle it”