It's been years in the making and a rollercoaster ride, but Jayme Fressard says all the sacrifices are worthwhile and she is "grateful" to be making her long-awaited NRLW debut.
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The Tacoma South 23-year-old has been named in the Broncos' starting side for Saturday's first-round clash with the Warriors in Canberra.
Fressard was in line to score her maiden appearance with the same club two years ago when the competition kicked off, but an ACL injury ruled her out of 2018 and the following season.
Having recovered in 2020, the global coronavirus pandemic almost ruined her chances, however, she signed with Brisbane again and moved north for quarantine last month which meant she missed Sunday's NSW Women's Premiership grand final victory with club side Central Coast.
"It's been a big rollercoaster," Fressard told the Newcastle Herald.
"I've had a few injuries and a lot of ups and downs. I'm very grateful to be stepping out onto the field tomorrow [Saturday]."
Fressard, who will wear the Broncos' No.4 jersey, said her mother, sister, younger brother and two best friends will make the trek to GIO Stadium for the 3pm kick off.
She played Nines with Brisbane earlier this year.
"When I had the opportunity to re-sign in 2020 I definitely didn't want to say no and grabbed the opportunity with both hands," she said.
The former CRL Newcastle player watched her Central Coast teammates claim the state title via livestream.
"All the sacrifices have paid off," she said.
Fressard said it was "tough" not being able to be part of the occasion, having also missed last year's showdown with CRL Newcastle because of injury.
She lined up for Central Coast in a major semi-final win on September 12 before travelling to Queensland.
"Our manager rang me straight after the grand final via Zoom so it was like I was down in the field with everyone and part of the celebrations. I even got to sing the team song in the sheds. It was a different experience but I was very appreciative [of being included] and I know I'm where I'm meant to be," she said.
Having previously played soccer and represented Australian rugby sevens at the Youth Commonwealth Games, Fressard switched codes to rugby league via Berkeley Vale and was part of the NSW squad for State of Origin in 2016.
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