With her family supporting from home and her young baby in camp with her, Apii Nicholls is in career-best form ahead of World Cup showdown with Australia on Saturday.
Returning to rugby league after a few years off and having a child, Apii made the difficult transition back into the sport as she joined the Titans squad for the 2022 season.
"I wouldn’t say the physical fitness was difficult, however transitioning back into the game was a bit challenging," explained the Kiwi international.
"The speed of the game is much faster from when I last played and the quality has improved so much.
"I haven’t held a football for about 2-3 years, so it took me some time to get some form back but I enjoyed every moment with the Titans."
Since arriving in New Zealand camp for the World Cup, Apii has been a stand out performer for the Kiwi's squad in the pool games.
Playing fullback, Apii credits her form resurgence to the close bond she has built with her teammates and the shared ambition of winning a World Cup for New Zealand.
"What helped the most is the camaraderie within my team and how much pride we have in representing our country.
"At the start of the campaign, we were given a task to create our foundation on a small piece of block which included our ‘why’s’ and our ‘values’ - one of those points I carry with me is my dedication to always work hard for the girls and be the best player I can be at this World Cup."
New Zealand will line up against a strong Australian team featuring three of her Titans teammates.
The two sides faced one another in round 3 of the competition and it was Australia who took the victory with a gritty 10-8 scoreline.
Out for redemption in the final, Nicholls is confident her team can lift for the occasion.
"I believe every single one of us will play our best and definitely take it an extra step. The feeling of just coming this far into the competition is so surreal and I know we are excited and fired up for the finals."
Speaking about what a World Cup will mean for her, Apii says a victory on Saturday night will make all of her sacrifices to be in England worthwhile.
"Though I was fortunate to bring my baby with me, I left the rest of my family behind.
"I missed my son’s 11th birthday, his school camps and performances, this is just to name a few. But I’m so grateful I have loads of support behind me so to win the World Cup will make all the sacrifices worth it.
"It was always a goal to make one more World Cup and win it so I hope that regardless of the outcome, I will make my family and country proud."
Apii Nicholls will line up at fullback for New Zealand on Saturday night against Australia in the World Cup final kicking off at 11:15pm (AEST) local time.
