Walked away from the game she's poured her heart and soul into. Retired. Moved on.

Instead, after enduring the pain of missing last year's inaugural NRL Women's Premiership, the dual World Cup champion returned to the sport and continued to represent CRL Newcastle in the state competition.

Now, aged 37, the Adamstown mother-of-two has signed her first professional rugby league contract and will line-up for the Sydney Roosters in the 2019 edition of NRLW.

"I still can't believe it," Young told the Newcastle Herald.

"I'm still trying to get my head around it all."

READ MORE: CRL Newcastle trio named in Jillaroos merit squad after NSW claim State of Origin

It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for front-rower Young and her family - husband Mick, daughter Jarrah and son Colbee - following this week's official squad announcement.

However, her primary feeling was one of gratitude after seasons upon seasons of hard work helping to build the women's game from the grassroots level and developing a pathway to the top.

"I'm just grateful for the opportunity," she said.

"Having the chance to play NRL is everything we set out to achieve back from day dot.

"For women and girls to have this kind of competition, both to play in and look up to. So to be able to finish like this [as a player] makes me super happy.

"There's a lot of hard work that's gone into it, but I'll be out there with the best of the best."

Young travelled to Sydney on Tuesday for an introductory session with the Roosters, joined by her CRL Newcastle teammates Isabelle Kelly, Hannah Southwell, Melanie Howard and fellow new recruits Bobbi Law and Simone Smith.

The 22-player roster was addressed by Roosters men's coach Trent Robinson.

"Robbo came down and spoke to us about representing the club and equality," Young said.

"It was all very impressive and very professional. I really enjoyed it and feel part of the Roosters family already."

Training with the Roosters kicks off next month before a three-match season and possible grand final in September.

Young, who also received a congratulatory message from her former Jillaroos coach Brad Donald, said she "can't wait" to get started.

The dual international, having previously represented Australia in rugby union as well, said come round one she'll have women's league pioneers in mind.

"For all of those other generations that paved the way," Young said.

"I want to go out and represent a lot of the old girls who didn't get this chance."

CRL Newcastle commitments resume with play-offs later this month.