Cronulla captain Cameron McInnes knows he wouldn't be where he is today without his wife Rachel. But more importantly, he knows his son Talanoa wouldn't be where he is without her.
The six-year-old was diagnosed with autism in 2021, with Rachel identifying the signs and providing early treatment for the youngster before he was formally diagnosed.
So as the NRL unites to celebrate Women In League Round, McInnes took a moment to acknowledge the crucial role his wife has played in ensuring Talanoa is a thriving young boy.
"When she started to realise he had autism, she started looking at little things she could do to help without even having a diagnosis because he was so young," McInnes said.
"She effectively was doing therapy with him before we could get therapy, not knowing that's what it was. His growth was amazing off the back of all that hard work.
"Now because of what she did when he was so young, he's absolutely killing it. That work she's done with him, he's so lucky to have her. I'm so lucky to have her."
McInnes and his wife have two children, with Noa a big brother to youngster sister Mia.
Three years on from his diagnosis, Noa is a six-year-old in his first year at school.
He continues to navigate the challenges that come with living with autism but has settled in alongside his kindergarten classmates and is thriving in the classroom.
It's a significant improvement from where he was when first diagnosed and McInnes beams when asked how Noa is going at school.
"It's the best," McInnes said. "He goes to school, he says speeches in front of his whole class.
"He got an award at an honour assembly and he goes up there in front of the school. He's just killing it, it's incredible."
Match: Sharks v Rabbitohs
Round 22 -
home Team
Sharks
4th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
15th Position
Venue: PointsBet Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Family sits at the centre of McInnes' life and he often credits them as his inspiration on the field.
The son of school teachers, the importance of hard work and commitment were drilled into him from a young age. It's a mindset that directly translates to the forward's playing style and reputation as one of the hardest working players in the game.
Now, he is able to look back and recognise the role his mum played in laying the foundation for his success on and off the field.
It's a path he hopes to replicate for his children as he looks to ensure Noa and Mia have the opportunity to chase their dreams as adults.
Cameron McInnes Try
"My mum would be the first to say footy is of not much interest to her, but her boy is," McInnes said. "It's all she cares about; how I'm going, if I'm happy, and supporting me.
"Growing up I was always given every opportunity from her to go after my dream. She's a school teacher so schoolwork was important but I was always given every opportunity to make it as a footy player.
"For me, that's the thing I'm most grateful to her for. Now as a grandma she's outstanding. It's beautiful how my kids gravitate towards her."
