When Jillaroos star Sam Bremner broke her leg at training prior to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup it did not shatter her spirit.
Instead it lit a fire in her belly to return to the biggest stage and showcase her immense talent.
"I have had a wild journey but it has been bloody beautiful. I am just really excited for this World Cup," Bremner told AAP at the Jillaroos' pre-tournament camp on the Gold Coast.
The 30-year-old - who since the last World Cup has taken two years out of the NRLW to become a mum - will co-captain Australia at this year's tournament in England.
She is on a mission to make up for lost time and a dose of heartache.
"I broke my leg in training before the last World Cup and it took me quite a while to get over because I'd trained for four years to get there and I was so invested in the Jillaroos jersey," she said.
"I didn't know it was broken until three weeks later. It was just treated as a cork but when I went for a scan my fibula was fractured.
"I went through a whole captain's run. I was white, nauseous, and I walked over to (coach) Brad Donald and I said, 'I'm not going to be able to get through a game. I'm in a lot of pain'.
"It really scarred me and hurt my heart. I've just been waiting for so long to mend that little bit of my heart.
"I know that sounds a little bit dorky, but within that time I went and had my two kids."
Bremner has a three-year-old son Reef, while her daughter Lakey will turn one while mum is in England.
The Sydney Roosters No.1 is a woman of her word.
That is another reason she is back for this World Cup after winning the tournament with the Jillaroos in 2013.
"When people suggested I was going to retire after having kids I just knew I wasn't finished yet," she said.
"Not to say that I am finished after this World Cup, but that is the one thing that made me want to continue - I didn't do what I set out to do in 2017.
"For some people that is OK but I always want to do what I say I am going to do.
"That is why I returned to football - with the goal to return to these colours.
"I thought it was out of reach at times but I'm super-proud to be here."
