Parramatta prop Kennedy Cherrington was once close to death and knows what it's like to get a second chance in life, which is why she is giving back to others in need.
The 23-year-old Heart Kids ambassador will play for the Eels against the Sydney Roosters in an NRLW semi-final at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Cherrington is Parramatta's nominee for the NRLW Veronica White Medal which recognises efforts by the game's female stars to make a difference in the community.
"I want to be a role model and inspiration for young kids and adults that you can do anything in life," she told AAP.
Cherrington's life story so far is one of hope, determination and care for others.
"I was born with CHD which is a congenital heart disease," she told AAP.
"I had Mitral regurgitation where my heart valves weren't connected to my heart wall properly so I wasn't getting oxygenated blood delivered to my body. I was run down, lethargic and purple in the lips.
"I got diagnosed late and saw a specialist on a Wednesday. Then I went for life-saving open-heart surgery on a Friday. My heart had doubled in size because it was overworking. They told my parents if I didn't have surgery I would die of cardiac arrest.
"All of that I have taken on board as motivation and determination because I got a second chance at life and that is how I see every opportunity."
That is why the Heart Kids charity is something she is passionate about.
"As soon as I got a platform I reached out and said I wanted to be their ambassador because they helped me out when I was younger," she said
The charity assists the Heart Foundation to help children transition into adulthood. All money raised from events is put to great use including camps for Indigenous children with CHD.
Cherrington, a former NSW Waratahs union star, is all heart on the footy field too.
She scored a late try in the 28-16 win over the Broncos to secure a semi-final spot for the Eels after the side lost the opening four games.
"We said that it is not how you start it is how you finish. We deserved that win so we are off to the semi-finals," she said.
The Roosters are undefeated and will be a challenge but last season they snuck into the finals and ended up winning the title.
"It just goes to show that we are on the same path," Cherrington said.
"I felt like we matched them in the forwards when we played them in the round game and I think we can match them physically in the middle again."
Cherrington had a knee cleanout before the NRLW season and skipped State of Origin to get herself in top shape after making her Origin debut for NSW in 2021.
She has her heart set on making the Jillaroos squad for the World Cup.
