Parramatta halfback Tayla Preston says she doesn't know how to give up, which explains how she fought back from an ACL injury to inspire her side to an NRLW grand final.
Preston scored a try, set up another and put on a kicking masterclass to lead the Eels to a stunning 24-10 semi-final win over defending premiers Sydney Roosters, setting up a title decider against Newcastle at Accor Stadium on Sunday.
The knee injury, sustained while she was at Cronulla in the NSW competition, knocked her confidence but now she's got it back.
"Two years ago I had a pretty bad ACL injury that I overcame," she said.
"I was out for nine months and it was a very hard injury because I was getting back to my peak performance at the time.
"(Giving the game away) crossed my mind a little bit and whether it was worth it, but I froth footy and watch nearly every game on TV.
"I knew I couldn't give up easily. I am a fighter and I don't know how to give up."
It has been a stunning rise for the 22-year-old in her first season of NRLW
"I was very lucky to get the opportunity with the Parra Eels this year and I just give it my all," she said.
"I am so proud of the girls. To be through to a grand final is an awesome feeling."
Preston runs hard and straight like a lock forward. She credits her dad and older brother Jarryd for her toughness
"When I was younger I was one-on-one in the backyard with Jarryd. I got roughed up but I love it," she said.
Preston has forged a superb partnership with five-eighth Ashleigh Quinlan who also set up a try and scored one herself against the Roosters.
Instead of playing on different sides of the field they combined in tandem in a powerful one-two punch.
"We have finally hit the nail on the head with what works best for our team," Preston said.
"Early in the season we were sticking to our sides (of the field) but we wanted to throw something different at them. Expect the unexpected. We like to play that free-flowing, eyes-up footy."
To play before a huge crowd in the curtain raiser to the NRL grand final between the Eels and Penrith Panthers has Preston pumped.
"It probably hasn't sunk in. I only just found out we'll be playing just before the boys and it is going to be an awesome atmosphere," she said.
