At the heart of the Sharks' special run to the NRLW finals has been unity and connection, exemplified by the tight-knit bond between hooker Quincy Dodd and front-rower Ellie Johnston.
As they head into Sunday's grand final qualifier against the Broncos at Totally Workwear Stadium, the pair spoke with Sharks Media to reflect on the ups and downs of the campaign and how mateship is driving their performance.
A local junior from Cronulla Caringbah, Dodd is no stranger to success. She began her career at the Sharks winning the Tarsha Gale Cup before becoming a NSW State of Origin representative and Indigenous All-Stars captain.
Having been the Sharks' first NRLW signing, Dodd has cemented her role as a leader within the team, something which has been truly prominent this season.
Dodd's control of the ruck has been instrumental to the Sharks' attacking structure. She believes the trust between the players has been vital to her development.
"The standouts for me this season are the people," she said.
"We've all really connected, and it started with our culture-sharing camp at the beginning of the year. The bond between the girls is incredibly strong."
As a member of the leadership group, the 24-year-old dummy-half has embraced her role as both a mentor and peer.
"I know I'm young, but I've been around the game for a while," she explained. "I try to connect with the girls on and off the field. It's exciting when they come to me for advice, and I learn from them just as much."
Right by her side every game has been Johnston, a dominant force for the Sharks whose contributions have not gone unnoticed – especially by Dodd.
"Ellie is an absolute workhorse. She helps me defensively and in attack with her hard carries and quick play-the-balls," she said.
"We've got a great combination going – she does what she does, and it hypes me up so much. I'm really grateful to play with her.”
Johnston also speaks highly of Dodd, emphasising their strong alliance: "I love playing with little Quincy. We've got a good connection, and I just want to protect her out there. We're going to aim to win the middle together on Sunday."
While they've lost their past three matches after a six-game winning streak, the Sharks remain focused on their mission to take out the trophy.
"We're only going to make it to the top if your team is one," Dodd said.
"If you've got different cliques, you're not a team. I really believe in that, and this year, we've connected as one."
As the Sharks prepare for their semi-final clash, the excitement is running high. Both Dodd and Johnston are eager to give it their all.
"Making the finals has added a lot of spark. We're just really excited to put on a show and hopefully go all the way," Johnston enthused.
The growth of the NRLW has been one of the season's most significant storylines, with more teams, greater visibility and increased professionalism contributing to the rapid rise of women's rugby league.
For players like Dodd, the expansion of the competition is personal.
"When I first started, there were only four teams in the NRLW. Now, there are ten, and next year there will be twelve," she said.
"The pathways that have grown for women in sport show what this sport is about, and it's an honour to represent the Sharks and be part of this movement.
"The pathways for women in sport have grown so much, and it's amazing to see. It's an honour to be part of a club like the Sharks, which is helping pave the way for the next generation.”
Away from the field, Dodd and Johnston share a close friendship. Their mutual respect and care are evident in the way they play, pushing each other to perform at their best.
As Dodd puts it: "We both get really pumped when we're out there. I can't wait to play with her for years to come."
Johnston echoes this sentiment: "Quincy is my little mate off the field, and I love playing with her. We've got a bond that really shows when we're out there together."
