Backyard footy against older sisters Kat, Kitiara and Samantha provided the foundation for the 19-year-old to finetune her ability with the oval ball growing up.

So when she played her first game of the 15-a-side code as a 13-year-old, Porter had her older siblings to thank.

"Having to run at them every single day was fun and they're all forwards and I'm a back so if I wasn't good at tackling by now it'd be a concern," she said.

"I've been playing for five or six years now. I started with the under-12 boys with Wauchope Thunder."

Now playing in the women's 10-a-side competition means there is a bit more space around for the youngest member of the Porter clan to utilise.

She was a member of the Mid North Coast side who performed admirably at last weekend's Country Championships at Tamworth.

While the girls team didn't come away with the victory it was another representative team the teenager has been selected for.

She is yet to miss out after trialling.

The experience at Tamworth allowed her to play a different role to what she normally plays at Port Macquarie.

"I learned last week not to be afraid to go in the ruck because I played as a flanker so I was more of a forward in 15s and that's a different ball game," she said.

"Usually I play halfback or scrum half and getting myself to run at big people was scary, but it was a fun experience and was definitely sore on Monday. I enjoyed it.

"I keep getting told I'm a forward in a backs body."

Porter and Pirates will host Coffs Harbour Snappers on Saturday at Stuart Park as they attempt to overturn a 27-0 defeat earlier in the year.

They are aware of the challenge ahead.

"That's the closest scoreline this season and we were down two players by halftime so I was impressed with that scoreline," Porter said.

The women's match kicks off at 12.55pm with first grade to kick off at 3pm.

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