Tearaway prop Shannon Mato won a premiership with Brisbane in her debut season but now being a mother to infant son Charnze-Pati has given her a different purpose as she chases a second title.
The 28-year-old's former club Gold Coast stands in the way in Robina on Sunday in a derby preliminary final.
Whangarei-born Mato, who will play for New Zealand at this year's World Cup after representing Australia previously, won the 2020 grand final with the Broncos and then lost the decider in 2023 at the Titans when current Brisbane skipper Tamika Upton stole a win for the Knights in a player-of-the-match display.
Charnze-Pati, who was born in October last year, has given Mato joy and extra inspiration to claim a second title after she battled with pre-natal depression last year.
"It would be huge," she told AAP.
"It changed my perspective on everything after having my son.
"There are plenty of mums that have come back into the NRLW … like Millie Elliott, Caitlin Johnston, Talei Holmes, Rikeya Horne … and I think that is huge too. Our game has come a long way."
Mato's son was by her side as she celebrated a 40-16 elimination-final win over Newcastle on Saturday with her teammates, who have been behind her all the way.
"They have helped me come back into this side after at the start of the year I didn't know if my return would happen," she said.
"I've struggled a lot to get back the jersey and I would love to end up with another premiership.
"Now I have a different purpose but the same goal. It is extra special to have my son here with me."
Mato started at prop in the 2020 grand-final win when Upton was fullback. The world's best player ruined her 2023 decider experience with the Titans but the duo are back together again.
"It is crazy how it all works. It is such as small world in rugby league," Mato said.
"We have got Meeks back and it almost feels like a full-circle moment. I am very excited."
