The Parramatta Eels are on the cusp of rugby league’s ultimate Cinderella story.
Tiana Penitani and her teammates have gone from the cusp of the wooden spoon to the verge of a grand final appearance in one fell swoop – and they can take inspiration from their semi-final opponents as they look to ignite an NRLW premiership dream.
Few expect the Eels to trouble the reigning premiers when they face the Sydney Roosters in a semi-final at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, after Dean Widders’ side snuck into the top four by the barest of margins following their lone win of the season.
But if this story seems familiar, it’s because Isabelle Kelly and the Roosters were here just months ago. They crept into the top four in the final round before stunning the Brisbane Broncos juggernaut in a semi-final en route to a premiership earlier this year.
Now the Eels have a chance to upset the premiership favourites to join Parramatta’s men’s side on grand final day at Accor Stadium next Sunday, and they’re comfortable being written off by all and sundry.
“I don’t really care. That’s just external stuff. We know our performances in there have been worthy of getting another opportunity against some of these top teams,” Widders said.
Sydney Roosters star Isabelle Kelly goes head to head with Parramatta sensation Tiana Penitani.Credit:NRL Photos
“We’re not going to worry that we come in off one game, look at the Roosters in that first season [earlier this year], they showed that anyone can win these games and win this competition. We won’t fear anyone.”
Perhaps few would have thought the Eels were a genuine chance of securing an elusive premiership double. Even fewer would have thought the Newcastle Knights would be lifting silverware this year.
Newcastle finished winless in their inaugural NRLW campaign amid a torrid year of on-field results for the club, before a roster overhaul catapulted them to second on the ladder just months later.
The Knights open the semi-final double-header against the St George Illawarra Dragons, who boast 13 players burning from last season’s grand final heartbreak.
Sunday marks Newcastle’s first NRLW finals appearance but in the likes of Millie Boyle, Tamika Upton and Yasmin Clydsdale, they boast premiership winners who tasted success from Brisbane to Bondi.
“It definitely helps. More importantly, it’s good for anyone who hasn’t experienced this, to be able to learn,” Knights fullback Upton said.
“Their first season, it didn’t go to plan [on the field], but other girls that came in for this season have bought in and it’s been really good.
“I knew some of the players that had been signed [for this season] were very good players in their own right, and we had girls who had just won a premiership with the Roosters so I was very excited to play with them. I just thought we had a mix of people who were going to be able to come together and play to their own strengths, so I was really excited for it.”
Stream the NRL finals series live and free on 9Now.
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