Proud eastern suburbs product Jess Sergis spent her childhood weekends wearing an Anthony Minichiello No.1 jersey and watching her Sydney Roosters.
On Sunday in Redcliffe the gun centre and former player of the year has the chance to win the club their first NRLW title against her former team St George Illawarra.
Admitting she never imagined the chance to play for the Roosters herself, perhaps the only thing that could top a premiership is finally meeting her hero.
"My uncle sent me a photo a few days ago as a little girl at a game," she told AAP.
"I was about 13 I'd say; every weekend it was our thing to do and Minichiello was my favourite player.
"I had a number one on my back and it had Mini on it. I haven't met him yet, but know he's a legend of a bloke so maybe we can tee that up."
Sergis swept the prize pool with the Dragons in 2019 as the competition's best player, but is still missing a premiership in a competition so far dominated by Brisbane.
The Roosters, who only snuck into the top four thanks to percentage, made sure there was no four-peat though with a mighty upset of the Broncos in the semi-final.
"We didn't doubt ourselves despite that slow start and that's got us there," Sergis said.
"I wouldn't want to be playing anyone else in the final and I'm happy for them, but for me, new club, new bunch of girls, it's refreshing."
She said the standard had clearly been raised since 2019, especially with the inclusion of rugby sevens converts like this year's joint Dally M Medallist Emma Tonegato.
Tonegato will start at fullback for the Dragons and Sergis is on high alert.
"She'd be on a high ... phenomenal athlete and key player so we'll have to work together to stop her," she said.
"You can see she's been in a full-time program, you can see that difference.
"They've got that advantage and skill; I'm happy for them (former rugby sevens professionals) to come along to our sport and they can take us to that next level and give us something to aspire to.
"It's getting better and better every year, ratings going up, fans going to games, it's taken some time but it's growing and that's what's needed."
