It wasn't until injury took rugby league away from NSW Blues fullback Sam Bremner that she realised how much the sport meant to her.
Bremner spent 14 months out of the game following a shocking run of injuries, including a broken leg, a high ankle sprain as well as torn muscles and ligaments.
But the match-winner has returned, eager than ever to prove her comeback is complete in Friday night's Origin clash when New South Wales take on Queensland at North Sydney Oval.
The Australian international said only recently she realised the time she spent out of the game was pivotal as it made her revisit why she even started playing.
"I think it's been a massive blessing in disguise and it did take me a while to think that to be honest," Bremner said.
"I feel different in the way I approach rugby league now. I've always been a really passionate player and I don't think I'll ever lose that, even after my playing days are done.
"Sometimes we get overwhelmed with how much the sport has to offer, it is easy to get lost in all of that.
"I think having the game taken away from me when I wasn't ready for it has made me hungrier than ever to just have fun and play with my friends again."
Bremner made her return to representative football at the Country Championships earlier this month.
Following a string of stellar performances for NSW Country, Bremner is grateful she is able to again represent NSW.
"I'm happy to be here, I'm happy to be healthy and running around with the girls again," she said.
"I'm taking every day as it comes and I'm just not taking anything for granted."
NSW Blues and NSW Country teammate Kezie Apps said she is really looking forward to running out alongside Bremner on Friday night.
"For her to be back in the representative jersey is great....she's so excited and we're all excited too because she brings so much to the team," she said.
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"I've played a few games without her at club level and we just get a little bit lost, Sam's talk and her presence is amazing.
"The break that she's had with her leg has been really good for her and I think she took that extra time as well to make sure everything was right."
NSW and Australian captain Ruan Sims wasn't as fortunate as the Country Championships, suffering serious nose and hand injuries which resulted in surgery.
Bremner conceded Sims will be sorely missed on Friday night.
"She (Ruan) plays so many roles.... she isn't just that big strong girl that does all the hard yards on the field, she's an absolute leader," she said.
"But that makes all of us keen to step up even more. There is nothing more motivating than one of your teammates not being able to pursue their dreams, so we'll do our best this weekend to go out there and win it for her and the rest of the girls."
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