A broken hand won't stop Brisbane centre Meg Ward tackling the NRL Women's Premiership's toughest assignment the inaugural grand final: stopping the Sydney Roosters' Isabelle Kelly.
Queensland strike weapon Ward, 24, appeared in doubt after missing the Broncos' last-round win over the Warriors that sealed their grand final spot.
But the unbeaten Broncos are breathing easier after Ward was given the green light, setting the stage for a blockbuster clash on Sunday with her State of Origin tormentor, NSW star Kelly.
Jillaroos X-factor Kelly enjoyed bragging rights over Maroons rookie Ward in this year's inaugural women's Origin clash, scoring two tries in a player-of-the-match effort to inspire NSW's 16-10 victory.
However, Ward got her own back with a powerhouse display in Brisbane's 14-4 second round NRLW triumph over Kelly's Roosters.
Incredibly, Ward suffered the hand fracture early in the round-two Roosters clash but not only finished the game, she shut down Kelly and scored a second-half try.
Ward, an Australian Defence Force firefighter by trade, said being able to dominate in round two despite the injury gave her confidence she could repeat the feat against Kelly.
"In State of Origin she definitely got the better of me," said Ward, who will play with her hand heavily strapped.
"I learned so much in that game and took that into the last Roosters game.
"It will be another great clash. (Kelly) is an awesome player. You just have to grit your teeth and play hard against someone like her."
Ward admitted Kelly would be primed for battle after the Roosters sneaked into the grand final by blowing away St George Illawarra 26-0 in the final round.
Their centre duel is expected to decide spots for the Jillaroos' trans-Tasman Test with the Kiwi Ferns in Auckland next month.
"(Kelly) is such a fast, agile player. You can't give her space and time," Ward said.
"If you get in her face and shut her down early, it makes it a lot easier.
"But she is unpredictable. She can make something out of nothing."
Ward was cleared to play after backing up from completing training on Tuesday.
"I asked the girls to run at me as hard as they could (at training). You don't want to go into a game soft," Ward said.
