Just six months ago, Sariah Paki was preparing to close the book on a decorated seven-year career in rugby sevens.
Now, the dual Olympian is a premiership winner in her new code and a member of the Jillaroos' World Cup squad, capping a remarkable first season in rugby league.
Having debuted in 2018 as a 17-year-old and gone on to represent her country at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics while also claiming Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, Paki was one of the most experienced members of the Australian women’s sevens squad.
But after reaching a crossroads in her career, the 24-year-old knew it was time for something new.
“I wanted to make a change. I hit a stint in my career with rugby and I’ve got the opportunity to hopefully play with my two sisters that are in the Harvey Norman and Tarsha Gale,” Paki told NRL.com.
“I had to make a hard decision whether to stay for another year in rugby or convert over.
Paki taking over
“My heart was with my family and I wanted to play with my siblings. It was an opportunity I wanted to take. It wasn’t easy call to make but I feel like I have made the right decision.”
Even in her wildest dreams she could not have imagined the year playing out the way it did.
Paki played all 13 games for the Roosters in the second row as they completed a perfect season with a dominant 30-6 grand final win over the Broncos.
With six tries, 10 line breaks and a tick under 100 run metres per game, Paki took to her new code like she'd been playing all her life and now she will pull on the green and gold again, this time at the IRL Rugby League World Cup.
From the Field: Sariah Paki
And she credits Roosters coach John Strange for making the switch as smooth as possible.
“Strangey is honestly one of the best coaches I have come across,” Paki said.
“He’s amazing. He has taught me the way I am now, coming into rugby league.
“He has created an environment with all the girls around me that’s gotten around me. I feel so loved at this club and it feels like a family.
“I’m filled with joy every time I come into training. I’m always learning from each and every player.
“It feels like more than a sisterhood and it’s truly special.”
Paki was eligible to represent both Australia and New Zealand at the World Cup, but after winning a premiership with the Roosters, she will now link up with eight of her club teammates in Jess Skinner's Jillaroos squad.
While her international future in rugby league was not always certain, Paki said she was determined to embrace whichever opportunity came her way.
Jess Skinner names the RLWC2026 Jillaroos squad
“I definitely want to play with the highest of highs and the best athletes in this code," she said.
“I’ve made the right decision to come to the Roosters and they’ve made me feel right at home. They’ve treated me amazingly.
“You get some tips and tricks from all these great players here and it’s gotten me to the player that I am today in this code.
“I’m super grateful to have met and played with all these teammates that have been at the highest of highs, with Origin and World Cups.”
One of those players has been five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher, who has enjoyed a breakout season of her own and is now in line to make her Australian debut.
Kelleher causing chaos
Kelleher played in the Harvey Norman competition as a second-rower back in 2020 and has played an important role helping her teammate Paki transition into the position.
“Jocelyn Kelleher, she’s pushed me to be a great back-rower,” Paki said.
“It’s definitely not an easy role, but she’s always pushing me to be the best player that I am.
“The rest of my teammates are amazing. They’re always wanting to help me because sometimes I don’t really know the code.
“I’m super overwhelmed with all the love and respect they’ve given me.”
