Triple H may not be Chelsea Lenarduzzi’s favourite wrestler, but the Broncos powerhouse has made a name for herself with her hype, hunger and heart.
One of Brisbane’s last remaining ‘OGs’ who claimed the inaugural NRLW title in 2018, this Sunday, the Queensland forward is gunning for her fifth title with the club, alongside golden girl Julia Robinson and the retiring Ali Brigginshaw. Newly crowned three-time Dally M winner Tamika Upton is out to claim her sixth title overall, having won three with Brisbane and two with the Knights.
Although having had plenty of experience at this time of year, Lenarduzzi said she was enjoying taking in the different lead up this time around, overcoming a mid-season dip of three consecutive losses to get back to grand final day.
“Obviously experience brings the relaxed vibe, but it's never not special, you want to be here at this time of year,” Lenarduzzi said.
“It doesn't get old, it's so exciting and I can't wait.
“I think that in sport, everyone says you need to be resilient, you need to be able to overcome hurdles and when you're actually faced with them is when you show your grit.
“Those losses through the year; it was weird – because there were consecutive three losses – but in the building, we knew that we could do something special, we just had to stick with it.
“There wasn't panic throughout that period.
“It was just stick to the processes and go to work day-in, day-out and then look what's happened.”
Having worked their way into third spot, the side have found form during the finals series and are whole the squad determined to see Brigginshaw, who previously captained the side to their past four wins, out on a high.
, she's been a great leader this season, but I think relinquishing that title probably actually freed her up a little bit and I think it was really good cos she was able to enjoy her footy just as a rugby league player.
“She's probably had the most fun this season out of any, which is crazy.
“She loves the group, she's been training with fun and freedom and playing with it, so it's been really cool to for her to enjoy her last season, but obviously you want to enjoy it a lot, so we've got a job to do.”
Brigginshaw: "It's going to be a really special moment"
Highly valued in her team for her leadership and her energy – Brigginshaw has praised her passion for the team – for Lenarduzzi, her on-field role has evolved to become a reliable impact player off the bench, a responsibility she relishes.
Taking on a Roosters pack featuring former Bronco and another hanging up the boots post season in Millie Elliott, Lenarduzzi was looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I just try to contribute to the team as much as possible and vibes, bro," Lenarduzzi said.
“I think too, people look at the bench as a negative a lot of the time, but I understand rugby league and how influential a bench player can be, so I've taken that on board.
“It's a big responsibility to me to make sure that (we embrace that).
“It's not just me, it's the whole bench too, but we have our little chats and it's a big responsibility for us to go on and help the team and give us another gear, so I love it.
“I just try and help the team in any way I can.”
Match: Roosters v Broncos
Grand Final -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Broncos
3rd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
After a thrilling finals series, it all comes down to this. One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. Don't miss a second of the action on Sunday - live on Nine, 9Now and Sky Sports NZ.
