The Parramatta Eels will be going for two premierships on Sunday, first facing the Newcastle Knights in the NRLW Grand Final as they look to complete the ultimate fairytale.
Parramatta did not even sit inside the final four until the last round of the season, although that was enough to see the Eels sneak through and they have taken full advantage of the opportunity.
The Eels upset the Roosters to book their spot in the decider, facing off with a red-hot Knights side who took down the Dragons 30-6 last week.
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Speaking after Parramatta confirmed its place in the finals, co-captain Simaima Taufa said the Eels were being spurred on by their doubters.
“The Roosters were the underdog comeback story last season, and I feel like we are that now,” Taufa said.
“We’re making it our own journey and path because we don’t know their story and how they came together as a group to get to a grand final.
“All I know is that our players here are looking forward to continually getting better as a group.
“I feel like we are the most improved team throughout the competition. I know that everyone has written us off going into the semis, but our losses were all small margins.
“If we play like we did on the weekend, then we can absolutely go all the way, and we’ve always had that faith from the very beginning.”
That faith has taken Parramatta all the way to the decider, although the Eels will have to do it without star centre Tiana Penitani, who is sidelined with a quad injury.
As for the Knights, it has been a fairytale turnaround for them too, having failing to win a game in their inaugural season.
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Now though they are on the brink of a stunning premiership, led by forwards Millie Boyle and Caitlan Johnston and teenage sensation Jesse Southwell.
Tamika Upton has had a brilliant season of her own at the back but was full of praise for Southwell earlier in the week.
“She’s a pretty incredible athlete,” Upton said.
“The thing I love most about her is that she’s got such a calm head out there for a young kid. She backs everyone else on the field and gives me a lot of confidence.
“I haven’t played with someone like that, so I’m really excited to see her play this weekend.”
