A lot can change in one year, just ask Jess Sergis.
In the inaugural NRL Las Vegas showcase in 2024, Sergis was a spectator, soaking up the electric atmosphere of the entertainment capital of the world. Fast forward twelve months, she wasn’t just on the field, she was dominating it.
For Sergis, the 2024 experience was second to none. Touching down in Vegas as a Club Ambassador and Co-Host with Anthony Minichiello on the Official Roosters Sponsors Tour.
Having never been to Vegas before, Sergis went full tourist mode, soaking up all the sights and exploring as much as she could.
But there was something missing. For her, the undeniable pull of the game, the itch to be a part of it all was always present.
“Watching the boys last year, I did have a lot of FOMO," Sergis recalled. "Just seeing them play on that field and having so much fun, I wanted that too.”
From that moment, Jess was certain that in some way or another, she would be on the impressive Allegiant Stadium turf the very next year. Vividly recalling the moment, she turned to Rooster’s staff and let them know; “We’re going to be here next year!”
At the time, she had no idea how or which women's team would be included, but she just knew. Her manifestation came to fruition when it was announced that the Jillaroos would take on England in the 2025 showcase.
Coming off the bench wearing number 15, Sergis was determined to make an impact. Wasting no time at all, she would assert dominance scoring 3 tries in just 15 minutes.
“It was pretty surreal,” she said, reflecting on the squad's dominant performance.
“To feel the roar of the crowd, to be the first women’s team to play at Allegiant Stadium, that was another milestone for us. It was one of the most fun stages I’ve ever played on,” she added.
This milestone is one of many for the veteran centre, adding to an incredible resume boasting dual Premierships for the Roosters, 3 Origin titles, and being a founding player of the NRLW.
"It's an incredible and pretty awesome feeling," she said. "To see it on paper it feels like quite an accomplishment."
Pioneering the way for women in the future, Sergis isn’t done with her ‘firsts’, acknowledging that she still has lots to achieve.
“I want to lay that platform for every other girl coming through, and hopefully there'll be new firsts added that girls can tick off as well.”
Beyond her personal contributions, Sergis credited a lot of the team’s performance to the incredible efforts of her teammates. Particularly the middle forwards who put in a relentless effort throughout the match. “They were doing things that they shouldn’t have to do, their game was really strong,” Sergis said, praising their endurance and work rate.
Sergis had further praise for her Roosters teammate, Tarryn Aiken, highlighting the phenomenal impact the five-eighth demonstrated in Vegas.
"She picked up right where she left off last season, her brilliant form was fantastic to play alongside, and really steered our team in the right direction."
As well as Aiken, Sergis shared the invaluable experience alongside three other Roosters teammates in Olivia Kernick, Isabelle Kelly and Keeley Davis.
“You can be so strong on the field, but I think it matters what happens off the field, building those friendships and making those memories together.”
Sergis referred to her teammates as her ‘family away from family’, strengthening their bond ahead of the 2025 NRLW campaign.
“It's gonna be incredible, I'm excited to get into preseason at the Roosters and hopefully go back-to-back with that Premiership."
From a spectator in the stands to a star on the field, Jess Sergis’ Vegas journey is the perfect testament to belief, preparation, and determination.
