A lot of things have come full circle in the life of NRLW star Jessica Sergis.
The 24-year-old is living in Sydney's eastern suburbs where she was raised, working as a teacher's aide at her old primary school and wearing the Sydney Roosters colours she sported as a youngster.
The difference is it'll be her own name emblazoned on the back of the Tri-colours jersey, not that of childhood idol Anthony Minichiello, when Sergis makes her club debut against Brisbane on Sunday.
After spending the three NRLW seasons to date at St George Illawarra, winning the Dally M Medal in 2019, Sergis moved home for employment reasons and a fresh footballing challenge.
Her job at Maroubra Junction Public School, working 9am-3pm, fits perfectly with her training schedule.
Named at centre for Sunday's season-opening clash with Brisbane at McDonald Jones Stadium, running onto the field will be a surreal moment for Sergis.
"I was a crazy Roosters supporter. My whole household are Souths supporters, so it was a bit tough growing up with a lot of competitiveness," Sergis told AAP.
"Loved Anthony Minichello, he was my favourite ... I was obsessed.
"I remember I had my jersey with the number one on the back and it had 'Mini' across it."
Sergis was meant to play for the Roosters last year before the NRLW competition's postponement until February due to COVID-19.
She is keen to learn from coach John Strange, who has built a respected reputation in his role with the Central Coast Roosters Harvey Norman women's premiership team.
"(Sydney) Roosters are rated so highly as a football club, so I was really excited to be part of that culture," she said.
"I was really looking to playing with a new bunch of girls, and the majority of the squad I've never met before, so that was really refreshing for me to build those friendships all over again."
Sergis predicted a bruising encounter with the Broncos, who are yet to be dethroned in the NRLW.
"It's going be brutal. It's almost like a little (2020) grand final repeat," she said.
"I think there's going to be some tension there."
Off the field, Sergis is thriving having begun her media career as a Fox League commentator.
She had been nervous to take up the offer but decided to push forward after attending a motivational speaking session by SAS Australia instructor Ant Middleton.
