THE Australian Jillaroos have unearthed a new star, after debutant Rikeya Horne helped the side run away with their first victory of the year at the Commonwealth Championships.

With 13 World Cup stars in their line-up, the Jillaroos were clinical on their way to claiming the gold medal at the nine-a-side tournament, overcoming two days of torrential rain and steamy conditions to beat Samoa 14-8 in yesterday’s nailbiting final at Redcliffe.

While the usual suspects starred across the weekend, including four-try hero Nakia Davis-Welsh and tackling machine Simaima Taufa, it was also an opportunity for newcomer Horne to shine.

The 18-year-old talent scored with her first touch in Australia’s opening game on Friday against Samoa and pulled off some massive try-saving efforts in yesterday’s tense final.

Horne, who only took up the game when she was 16, rose through New South Wales’ ranks last year, representing the Country side.

Rikeya Horne starred for the Jillaroos at the Commonwealth Championships Source: News Corp Australia

She was then called into the NRL women’s training camp two weeks ago and from there earned her Australian nine-a-side debut.

A former netballer, the young back said it was her tougher nature that saw her make the swap to rugby league.

“I had always been heaps aggressive in netball and I thought maybe I should take it out on rugby league instead,” Horne said.

“It was probably a bit better. I’ve always been like that.

“To some people rugby league is just a game but I love it, I live for it. It keeps me happy.

“I can’t believe I’m actually here and wearing an Australian jersey … it’s completely unreal.”

Horne and Queensland’s Tallisha Harden were the only two non-World Cup players to crack Donald’s squad for the tournament, in what is a promising sign in a ground-breaking year the women’s game.

Horne streaks away against the Samoan women Source: News Corp Australia

With an NRL competition ahead in August, the event gave the duo a taste of what is to come in 2018 and showed there is a path to the top for those still coming through the ranks.

For Donald, Horne has a very bright future.

“She’s just a young girl, 18, with lots of talent, lots of speed, is really, really humble and really switched on,” Donald said.

“She had the right character to bring to this team.”

The only concern for the Jillaroos was a shoulder injury to centre McGregor, suffered in their semi-final victory over Cook Islands.

While she did not play in the final, it is understood the injury is minor.

Commonwealth Championships final

AUSTRALIA 14 (Chelsea Baker, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Zahara Temara tries; Zahara Temara 1 goal) def SAMOA 8 (Maitua Feterika, Louisa Gago tries)