Rejuvenated Studdon chasing grand prize in NRL Women's decider

Maddie Studdon.

The NSW captain, Studdon was signed by the Roosters to lead the team to premiership glory.

But come grand final day, the halfback couldn't even crack the 17.

So instead of playing on rugby league's biggest day, Studdon watched on as her team was defeated.

What followed was a period of soul searching before she ultimately made the move to the Dragons.

Studdon will finally get her chance at grand final glory on Sunday when she runs on to ANZ Stadium for St George Illawarra's clash with the Broncos.

It's a moment she's been looking forward to for a long time.

"I've worked really hard on my game this year and to get all the way, it's awesome," Studdon said. "This is what I really wanted, to be in the starting side for the NRLW and that's what I have for the Dragons.

"We've got one more to go, we've got to really dig deep in this hard week coming up. We've still got a lot of things to fix up and we'll definitely learn from Sunday's game.

"Playing a grand final on ANZ Stadium right before the men, it's going to be a great crowd. It's going to be awesome."

Studdon's form since she signed with the Dragons has been superb.

After leading the NSW Blues to State of Origin glory in June, and picking up player of the match honours in the process, the halfback has played a crucial role in helping St George Illawarra progress to this week's decider.

Read more: St George Illawarra trio earn representative honours

The round one struggles have been replaced by quality attack, with Studdon forming a superb combination with halves partner Keeley Davis in the last two weeks.

The Dragons fell to Brisbane in their opening-round clash, however they have improved with each performance and Studdon is confident her side can knock off the defending premiers.

"We're playing a lot better than in round one. We've worked on our combinations, we've changed up our gameplan a little bit and we just know it's a simple game.

"We all run the right lines and go off each other. We've got a great team here and we're all bonding really well."

The week ahead will mark foreign territory for many in the St George Illawarra side, as they prepare for the club's first women's grand final.

Having been a member of the Roosters squad in 2018, Studdon is prepared for the unique challenges and extra commitments that grand final week throws up.

The number one message she has for her teammates is to enjoy the week and everything that pops up along the way.

"Just take it as it comes and enjoy the week," Studdon said. "You've got to enjoy it because there is a lot of pressure and outside noise, but you've just got to forget about that stuff and remember why you're doing this and who you're doing it for.

"You need to focus on playing your own footy game, not going away from anything that we're doing here now."

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