St George Illawarra centre Jessica Sergis experienced the highs and lows of rugby league in the space of an hour after costing the Dragons a regular round victory before sparking them to an NRL Nines title.
The 2019 golden boot winner was caught up in an illegal play against the Roosters in the final round of the tournament when she was charged with dangerous contact after kneeing Zahara Temara on the ground following a try.
The incident allowed the Roosters to take an extra attempt at a conversion on the siren and they ran out one-point winners.
Sergis was immediately charged by the match review committee at the ground and took an early guilty plea to take part in the final.
She scored a try in the 28-4 victory over the Broncos while wearing a high shot from prop Amber Hall.
A relieved Sergis said it was "probably a bit of karma" for what happened earlier in the evening.
Sergis’ sweet revenge as Dragons women win Nines
"I'm over the moon to win the final but it was also mixed emotions I guess," Sergis told NRL.com.
"Obviously what happened in the game before I was a little down but that's footy and sometimes things go wrong.
"I'm not proud of it but I was also so excited to play in the final and then get the win over the Broncos."
Sergis admitted she thought her spot in the final could've been on the line once she was placed on report.
Match Highlights: Broncos v Dragons
"I was thinking that, for sure, but I put that aside and let the judiciary handle it," Sergis said.
"I just prepared like I was going to be there."
Sergis, rated the best women's player in the world last season, will now return to Helensburgh in the Illawarra club competition for the next three months.
It's a bleak contrast compared to what their male counterparts have coming up with the NRL season starting in March.
The next major event for the women's game will be the Origin clash in June.
"That's unfortunately the game we're in at the moment but it's growing and for now we've just got to enjoy what we have," Sergis said.
"I think with the last two years of a full calendar under our belt we know what to expect now."
As for living up to the best player in the world tag, Sergis isn't feeling the heat early in 2020.
"I don't think there will be pressure, it's always good to get challenged," she said.
"But in saying that it's easier at the Dragons because they are a great bunch of girls and from tonight's game it just makes me even more determined to get the ball rolling for later in the year."