Broncos prop Shalom Sauaso has continued a stellar year, taking out the RLPA Rookie of the Year award as voted by her NRLW peers.
The teenage rising star, who played for Queensland in the women's U19s State of Origin game earlier this year, has proven to be a "formidable force" already in the top grade.
Through eight appearances since making her debut for Brisbane, the young gun has crossed for four tries and averaged 140 run metres per game.
Sauasuo's 74 tackle breaks for the season also puts her right up there with some of the best forwards in the women's game.
"It means a lot- first year in the big leagues, it's pretty special to me," she told Nine's Freddy and The Eighth after earning the award.
Sauaso also explained how her rugby league journey began, which saw her start at a young age and move into the junior pathway system at Ipswich State High School.
"I'm from a family of just boys, you know how that pans out - they end up tackling you and that's how I started, playing backyard footy," she said.
"I started when I was like eight [years old] and it started to get more serious when I started high school."
RLPA boss Clint Newtown paid tribute to the rising star.
"Shalom epitomises so much of what makes rugby league the greatest game of all. She is powerful, damaging, physical, and - most importantly - she is proud of who she is, her family and culture," he said in a statement.
"As a past player and now fan, I love watching Shalom tear in and demonstrate why she is such an intimidating opponent.
"Shalom is relentless in how she plays, and to be named the best rookie by the players she competes against is a tremendous accolade.
"We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Shalom - in the short term for her team as they charge into the finals, but also beyond that as she continues to establish herself as a dominant and formidable force in the NRLW."
Warriors duo Payton Takimoana and Patricia Maliepo, as well as Dragons centre Indie Bostock, were also in the running for the coveted award.
Sauaso joins the likes of Rory Owen and Destiny Brill as winners of the rookie award.
She is also a finalist for the Players' Dream Team and is among a shortlist of just three players in line for the Impact Player of the Year award.
The major RLPA Players' Champion awards will be announced in grand final week.
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