Amber Pilley's meteoric rise has taken her from being the last player NRLW grand finalists Brisbane recruited to aiming to be the "female Greg Inglis".
The 20-year-old centre has capped her progress by being among the first picked for the inaugural season decider against the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium, relegating Jillaroo Kody House to an extended bench.
The former Indigenous All Star has featured in all three wins by Brisbane, the only NRLW unbeaten team.
It's a far cry from what Pilley expected when she turned up to the Broncos as their last recruit.
"It was nerve-racking (being last picked) but being with the team now has changed my life. I have learned so much from the coaching staff," she said.
"As the last signing I didn't think I would get an opportunity to be in the side for a (regular season) round game.
"It's pretty surreal."
Pilley may have had modest goals on her arrival but now her plans are much more ambitious.
She hopes to carve out a similar reputation as her idol, South Sydney captain Inglis.
"I have always looked up to Greg Inglis. I think he is an awesome person on and off the field," Pilley said.
"I would like to be known as the female Greg Inglis."
Pilley said it wouldn't be hard to keep a lid on expectations with a very different Roosters lining up on Sunday compared with the side they downed 14-4 in round two.
Pilley said Jillaroos star Zahara Temara's move from lock to halfback for the Roosters had changed everything for the grand final.
The Queenslander set up two tries as No.7 as the Roosters booked their grand final berth with a 26-0 romp over St George Illawarra last round.
"Their combinations have changed with Zahara in the halves. I think things will be very different," Pilley said.
"But there is only going to be one team that gets to be the first grand final winners. It's how bad do we want it."
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