Kimiora Nati creates her own piece of grand final history

[Super Freak]

Kimiora Nati creates her own piece of grand final history

September 30, 2018

Karyn Murphy Medal winner Kimiora Nati couldn't recall where she was on the day of the 2017 Telstra Premiership grand final when asked after the Broncos' 34-12 inaugural NRLW win on Sunday.

Nor which two teams took part in the decider a year ago. After being given a hint of the two sides, she offered an answer.

"Oh yeah, Johnathan Thurston's kick that hit the post?" Nati said, referring to the 2015 NRL decider, before giving up.

"See, don't ask me. I don't remember."

You can be sure grand final day 2018 will be forever etched in Nati's memory after the Broncos five-eighth scored three tries, savoured a maiden NRLW title and the achievement of earning player of the match – another first for the women's game.

"I wasn't expecting anything through the whole campaign," Nati told NRL.com.

"I feel like I've been a bit quiet trying to set up my right side and going along with our structure. Just talking to Ali Brigginshaw and she's giving me all these pointers, when to show and go and take my opportunities.

"I just took whatever came and scored on the back of them."

Nati's journey to the Broncos started in August when she left behind her son Kruthen and daughter Marmie in New Zealand to embark on a two-month experience in Australia.

The Kiwi Ferns five-eighth spoke to her children on the phone following the emphatic win.

"They've stayed with their grandparents," Nati said.

"I can't thank them enough. I just wanted to experience the transition of being back home in New Zealand to try and learn more off these Australian players.

"A new environment and stepping out of my comfort zone. I wouldn't have it any other way, they're all fit and fast. Not saying they aren't back home but it's just good to learn off other people for a change."

Broncos coach Paul Dyer paid tribute to the playmaker after the clash.

"She's a mother who's had to give up a lot to be here," Dyer said.

"What you got to see today was just a glimpse of what we see at training. From the moment she stepped on the playing field we knew she was a special player."

Dyer opted for a heavy recruitment drive centred around luring New Zealand internationals to the club.

Their combinations with Australian representatives Brigginshaw and Brittany Breayley clicked from the get-go, but Dyer believed it was their off-field culture that will have everyone back on board next season.

"Recruiting the girls from New Zealand, I just wanted to do some research into what sort of people they were," Dyer said.

"They've left their home town and from a cultural point of view that's a big step to leave New Zealand when New Zealand had its own team in the Warriors.

"But they found a home because the girls were so welcoming. Our club, the board, CEO and coaches embraced the girls from the moment they arrived."

Source: NRL.com