Tiana Penitani will go into the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final on Saturday with mixed emotions ahead of Cronulla's pending entry to the NRLW in 2023.
Penitani became the first player to sign a multi-year contract at an NRLW club in June when she extended her stay at Parramatta for a further two seasons, ending any chance the Sharks had of having her be part of their inaugural campaign.
Penitani has played for the Sharks in the HNWP since 2019 and with the uncertainty up until the club's green light to the NRLW last month, the Jillaroos star had a decision to make with the Eels offering an additional season.
"It was a bit touch-and-go at the time with deadlines, the decision was really late in announcing the 10 teams and I didn’t want to lose a contract opportunity over a 50-50 possibility the Sharks would come in," Penitani told NRL.com.
"I would’ve loved to represent Cronulla next year, they’re home for me in the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership, but it was a bigger picture thing for me.
"There were a few reasons why I wanted to stay with Parramatta next year but mainly I feel like there’s a strong Polynesian connection out west that needs representation and they’re the girls I want to inspire.
"I’d like to hold that responsibility and be someone who those girls can look up to being half Tongan myself so while I had a good think about it, I’m excited to be at the Eels for another two seasons."
Penitani said she hoped by becoming the first player to sign a multi-year deal at an NRLW club that more stars in the game could tie down their long-term futures for further stability.
"It’s awesome, as a playing group that’s what we’ve wanted to aim for," she said.
"Having multi-year deals and financial security to build something special and work towards being a full-time professional.
"We know we’re leaving the game in the right place and whether it’s in my generation where there’s professional contracts or after my playing days it doesn’t matter because we’re building a legacy and that’s all that matters."
Cronulla will go into the HNWP grand final at Campbelltown Sports Stadium as favourites against a Wests Tigers club who are also planning ahead of their entry to the NRLW next year.
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The Sharks boast a star-studded line-up with 13 players signed by rival NRLW clubs for the 2022 season while their opponents have seven which includes Penitani's NSW teammates Kezie Apps and Jessica Sergis.
Contracted NRLW players will begin a mini pre-season training at their clubs from next week while both the Sharks and Wests Tigers will be working overtime in the next 12 months to get as many players from the grand final on deck in 2023.
The Harvey Norman NSW Premiership grand final kicks off on Saturday, July 16 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium from 2:00pm.