It's been a moment both Zahara and Chante Temara have had to wait for, but the sisters will finally line up together in the Red, White and Blue at NRLW level this Sunday.
With Zahara a foundation player at the Club since the NRLW's inception in 2018, it was just a matter of time before Chante joined her in Bondi following a Premiership with the Brisbane Broncos in 2020.
And while a hand injury robbed Chante of a debut in the 2021 season, the diminutive hooker will become Rooster #64 in what will be a special moment for the sisters - one they had resigned might not have happened.
In doing so, they will create history by becoming the first sisters to play for the Roosters.
“I’m pretty nervous but pretty excited,” the quietly spoken Chante said.
“Zahara has grown heaps as a player, and I feel like she talks more when we go back and play club football up in Queensland.
“I can tell when she’s a bit nervous and she likes to play it a bit low-key, but I just give her a look and laugh because I know she plays it off like it’s nothing.
“But it’s exciting to take the field with her at NRLW level.”
“To me, it’s like a dream come true,” Zahara added.
“It wasn’t even on my list of goals because I didn’t think we’d be able to accomplish it when she was with the Broncos.
“But when she came to the Roosters, I was wrapped. It’s something else playing with your sister and with your family so I can’t wait.”
It's not just the sisters who were thrilled when Coach John Strange read out both their names on Tuesday afternoon - with the pair flying back home to Queensland to tell the news in person.
“They were really excited,” said Zahara.
“We actually went back home on the weekend and told them face to face. Mum came running out of the room and dad was on the phone.
“They were all just jumping up and down and they were really excited. It’s going to be a special moment for our family.
“I told them a bit last minute, but they were really happy for me,” Chante said.
“We didn’t get the opportunity to do so last season with her injury, but I’m really excited to play alongside her."
To me it’s like a dream come true. When she came to the Roosters, I was wrapped. It’s something else playing with your sister and I can’t wait.
Zahara Temara On playing alongside sister Chante this Sunday
As for what Roosters Members can expect from Chante - who will come off the bench on Sunday against the Newcastle Knights at Allianz Stadium?
“They can expect plenty of aggression and impact," Zahara said.
“It looks like there’s not much of her but she’s got a lot of heart. I tell a lot of people this and I’m not ashamed about it, she’s a way better defender than I am.
“She acts like she’s the biggest player on the field the way she plays for her teammates and the way she defends and attacks."
And as for who will dominate the calls when Chante takes the field at hooker?
"Probably her," Chante admitted.
"Yeah, probably me - I’ll be yelling at her to give me the ball!" laughed Zahara.
