Star five-eighth Taliah Fuimaono will make her long-awaited return to club footy ahead of the Titans' Round 1 clash against the Dragons on Sunday afternoon.
After suffering an ankle injury in last year's season opener against the Cowboys, the Sky Blues representative missed the remainder of the 2023 NRLW season and had to watch her side play the decider from the sidelines.
The playmaker cannot wait to run out in the Titans colours again up against her former side in a bid to go one better after a heartbreaking grand final defeat.
"It's really special, especially this one," Fuimaono said.
"Coming back after the injury last year, I worked really hard in the off-season and it's really good to be back up here.
“We just finished an awesome pre-season with the girls, so I’m super excited leading into Round 1.
"It's been a long time; the girls are killing to play some more footy, especially myself.
"I haven't had the privilege to play a lot of footy in the last year."
Returning to footy in a big way playing in all three games in the recent Origin series, premiership glory is now front of mind for the 25-year-old, having been so close in their last campaign.
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Dragons
away Team
Titans
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Although, the squad hasn't wanted to reflect on last year, instead looking ahead to what will be an exciting 2024 NRLW season.
"I got to travel with the team as the 18th player as I really rehabbed and tried to get myself to be an option for the girls if needed," Fuimaono said.
"I definitely felt the whole rollercoaster with the girls.
It was a disappointing finish, but in saying that, last year is in the past and we can't do anything about it, so I'm excited to see what's ahead."
Fuimaono will join Lauren Brown in the halves for their season opener at WIN Stadium on Sunday as she looks to build her combination with her fellow teammate - having previously been rivals in the State of Origin arena.
"I prefer to be on the same team as Lozzy and I’d prefer her to be kicking field goals for us than with Queensland," she joked.
"I'm really excited to get some combinations with Lozzy in the halves. I didn't get to experience that last year, so I'm really excited for that.
"I'm just really excited to play some footy with the girls.
"We've got a really good bunch and we are lucky enough to retain most of the players from last year."
