Historic moment for Gray and Rapana forged in backyard

The upcoming historic moment when Broncos forward Tazmin Gray and Raiders winger Jordan Rapana become the first sister and brother combination to play in NRL grand finals on the same day all began in the backyard.

The 24-year-old Gray, six years Rapana's junior, recalled those days with fondness when she looked ahead to the Holden Women's Premiership season decider at ANZ Stadium against the Dragons on Sunday where she will line up in the second-row. When she walks off the field Rapana will soon be on it himself when the Raiders clash with the Roosters.

One of 10 children, and with six brothers, the backyard was Gray's field of dreams.

"Those games pretty much created us as players to be honest. Every afternoon it was mini-hits. Mini-hits would then turn into tackling on the concrete," Gray said.

"It was fun and games and sometimes people were hurt. For us, it was everything.

"Everything I know has come from playing against my brother, so all credit to him. Growing up we were like two peas in a pod. I was the one that made up numbers for the boys. He threw me in the deep end. If he was doing it I was doing it as well.

"Everything I learned from my brothers has developed me into the player I am today so I am real grateful for the way they included me in everything."

With plenty of extended family set to be in attendance, Sunday will be a day to remember.

"It is a very special moment for myself and my brother. I guess it hasn't happened in an NRL game before so for us to play on the same day is a massive opportunity for myself and my family,” Gray said.

"I haven't spoken to him too much about it because we are focused on doing our roles for our team."

Remarkably the duo has played on the same day in Test football when last year Gray, who was born in Tweed Heads, lined up for the Jillaroos just before Wellington-born Rapana represented the Kiwis.

Gray said that occasion was "an opportunity for our family to be honoured".

"They sacrificed a lot for us to play the sport we love and do the things we do so it is a massive shout-out to them," she said.

On Sunday, Gray just wants to get the ball rolling with a win. She played for the Roosters last year but now she just wants to do the Broncos proud and secure back-to-back titles.

"I would love to get the win and I would love to bring home the trophy again for the Broncos, as well as see my brother succeed as well," she said.

"The Broncos are an amazing club and did the right things to put themselves in a position to be the best to bring home the trophy last year. To be able to do that again would be a massive honour, not only for myself but as a representative of the Brisbane Broncos. It would be a dream come true to be honest."

Tickets for the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final 2019 are now on sale to the general public.

Tickets are available through Ticketek and nrl.com/tickets.