Warriors lock Louisa Gago's decision to turn her back on netball in high school has proven to be the right call, finding her niche in the women’s NRL competition.
The 24-year-old had the dream of playing netball at higher levels in her teens, but admitted her stature proved to be a problem.
"I was playing netball in fifth form and sixth form, I was trying to make the A team," said Gago.
"But couldn't make it because I was too short, I got sick of playing in the B team and when I was 18 I thought I might as well try league."
Gago scored the what turned out to be the Warriors’ winning try in their first round 10-4 victory over the Sydney Roosters.
She ran a perfect line off her skipper Laura Mariu to blitz through the Roosters’ defence and cross over the white line last Saturday at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
Returning to the same venue to take on the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday, Gago said her side won’t be taking their opponents lightly.
Despite the Dragons 30-4 first-round thumping by the Brisbane Broncos.
"It will still be a tough game, those Aussie girls are pretty fit," she said.
Playing for the Manurewa Marlins at club level in Auckland, Gago revealed to 1 NEWS that stepping foot on the ANZ Stadium pitch was a huge moment.
"It was a dream to play at ANZ Stadium, I've grown up watching the big NRL teams and the finals played there," she said.
"I got pretty emotional when we had a little walk around the field before we played."
Warriors coach Luisa Avaiki says their opponents St George Illawarra will have a point to prove come Saturday.
"We're expecting that they will come out firing," said Avaiki.
"Every week is a grand final for us, so we have to go in with that attitude.
"Otherwise we can get caught sleeping if we don’t go in with that mindset."
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