Fanua Rimoni never expected her first NRLW season to unfold quite like this.
The 20-year-old arrived at the Titans having never played at the level, expecting to learn and develop around an experienced squad.
Instead, an opportunity opened early in the season and Rimoni has grabbed it with both hands.
Following an injury to Jess Elliston and the departure of Shannon Mato, Rimoni was thrust into the NRLW side, making her debut before quickly becoming a regular in the starting team.
Now, as the Titans prepare for their preliminary final against the Brisbane Broncos, Rimoni is preparing for another significant chapter in a debut season that has moved far quicker than she anticipated.
“I didn't expect to be debuting, let alone starting,” Rimoni said.
“I think that was a big step for me. The girls have definitely helped me step into the position and grow as a player.”
One of those players has been veteran forward Laikha Clarke, whose direct approach has made a lasting impression on the young prop.
While Georgia Hale has been a prominent leader within the group, Rimoni said Clarke's willingness to give her an honest assessment has been particularly valuable.
“For me I think probably Laikha. I've taken a lot from her this year,” Rimoni said.
“She's a player that will just give it to you straight. You can ask her anything and she'll just tell you what you need to hear.
“Probably Laikha is my my biggest influence this year.”
For Rimoni, that honesty is exactly what she needs as she continues to learn the demands of NRLW football.
“A bit of tough love, just no sugarcoating it,” she said.
“I think sometimes we just need to hear it. And that's what Laikha does.
“She's authentically herself 100 per cent of the time, and I think she really lifts us as a team and brings the honesty and brings that energy every time we're in.”
That support has extended throughout the Titans squad, with Rimoni praising the senior players for creating an environment where she has felt comfortable asking questions and learning from those around her.
“Everyone's there to support you. Everyone wants you to be better,” she said.
“And I think that kind of culture helps us be better as a team as a whole and perform well on the field.”
Rimoni's rapid progression has also been helped by the belief shown in her by head coach Karyn Murphy, who handed her a starting role on debut and continued to give her responsibility throughout the season.
That faith has allowed Rimoni to play her natural game while continuing to develop her understanding of NRLW football.
“It gave me a lot of confidence to know that Murph trusted me to start and to debut in the first place,” she said.
“It's helped me grow as a player and I think she's allowed me to be myself and play the kind of footy that I enjoy playing.”
The step up from the BMD Premiership environment to NRLW has been significant, with Rimoni learning not only the physical demands of the game but the professionalism required at the elite level.
“It's gone so fast,” she said.
“I think just soaking up every moment and taking every opportunity as it comes.
“Obviously footy stuff, learning skills and different things around that, but also just the professionalism and the different environment.
“The girls really lift you as a person and as a player, so it's been pretty cool.”
There is also an added storyline awaiting Rimoni and the Titans this weekend, with former teammate Mato lining up for the Broncos after leaving the club last year.
But Rimoni's focus is firmly on the opportunity in front of her and a Titans team that she believes is ready for the challenge.
“Our team feels like we're pretty strong going into finals, pretty confident, just backing ourselves,” she said.
After a brief spell away from the team due to illness, Rimoni is back training and embracing the excitement of finals football.
“You don't realise how much you miss it until you're away from it for so long, and I'm just excited to be back,” she said.
“I'm really enjoying it and now I'm even more pumped for finals.”
And while nerves may come as the big game gets closer, Rimoni is taking confidence from everything she has learned during a remarkable first season.
“I'm not nervous at the moment, but I think the build-up leading into it, there's definitely going to be nerves,” she said.
“But nerves are always good, so it's something I think we'll get past.”
