"The NRLW has absolutely taken off."
Even one of the most recognised figures in rugby sevens could acknowledge the rapid growth the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership is having on the women's sporting landscape.
Last year Niall Williams was a just like any other fan of the NRLW, watching all the games and marvelling at the skills on show, so when the opportunity came up to be a part of the competition, she "couldn't say no".
The dual code international was unveiled on Thursday as the Titans' latest big signing but the interest began when Williams decided the NRLW would give her a fresh start in her career.
"The Gold Coast were one of the clubs that took the time to bring me up here and show me around their facilities and Karyn Murphy was amazing, sold the dream to me and so I said yes," Williams said.
"I watched [the NRLW] every week last year and the level of footy has gone out the gate. I wanted to be a part of that and the opportunity came up and I couldn’t say no.
New Zealand is going crazy watching what is going on over here... the NRLW has absolutely taken off.
With great attempts to create her own identity in world sport, the younger sister of Sonny Bill Williams will bring a level of professional experience to the NRLW after more than two decades playing at the highest level.
"[Sonny Bill] is really stoked for me and looking forward to how I go with this adventure too," Williams said.
"I’ve always been an athlete who thrives on being in uncomfortable positions and growing myself when I can.
"I feel like I’ve done everything in the circuit of sevens. For me, I still feel like I have a few more years to run around with these legs, so I thought why not give it a go."
Murphy had never spoken with Williams prior to the pair discussing the prospect of her playing in the NRLW this season, but could sense the Commonwealth Games gold medallist was chasing a change.
"She's a professional and wants to see how far she can go," Murphy, who had her own extensive career in rugby league, said of her latest signing.
"The first time we met, we connected on a lot of important points and it was a credit to her, she wanted to know about the club and where we were heading and how she could improve us.
"She’s coming from an environment where she’s had a big career in New Zealand and what she’s done for over two decades.
"Importantly, she knows she hasn’t played a lot of league. She has the knowledge, but hasn’t played at this level, so accepts that she wants to come in and work hard and see how far she can go.
"We don’t want to be like any other club, we want to keep improving and being as professional as we can. We’re looking for some strike and experience and Niall was the perfect example of that for us."
In a boost for the international game, Williams made no secret she wouldn't turn down another form of a New Zealand jersey on Thursday with Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry looking to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2025 World Cup.
“Not just on the field, but the experience Niall brings as a leader," Henry said.
"I am looking forward to seeing her develop in that space. I don’t want to put too much pressure on her, but it’s exciting for the women’s game.
"It will be interesting to see how they [the New Zealand sevens] players go.
"It’s obviously a different game with some big differences, but I am interested to see how they transition. It’s a positive to have them interested.
“We will see if it’s something they want to keep doing in the future. There will be a 5-6 month timeframe they’ll be playing NRLW and fingers crossed they want to stay in league.”
