Emma Tonegato excited for new challenge after Dragons switch

In that time, the Wollongong talent has achieved some of the highest honours in world sport.

Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, two World Sevens Series titles, a Commonwealth Games silver medal.

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Tonegato has now decided the time is right for a new challenge and will return to rugby league after signing with the St George Illawarra Dragons for the upcoming NRLW season.

Despite enjoying an illustrious career in rugby sevens, the 26-year-old admits she's nervous about the prospect of returning to rugby league after so many years away.

"The opportunity to play for the Dragons came at a really good time," Tonegato said. "I needed a bit of a change, I'm excited to try something new and get around a new team.

"The NRLW wasn't around when I played rugby league, I'm excited to see how I go. I am a little bit nervous, I want to do well and want to help the Dragons do well.

"At the same time, I've been training professionally for eight years, going to the gym, training every day. That will benefit me in some way.

"I'm glad we've got a good pre-season that will allow me to get around the girls, work with our coach Jamie Soward and give me some time to build my NRL knowledge."

Rugby league was Tonegato's first love, recruited by Sam Bremner to join Helensburgh as a teenager.

Jillaroos selection followed soon after and she was a member of the 2013 World Cup-winning squad.

Then came the successful switch to rugby union.

Tonegato was present as women's sevens grew from infancy to the professional program it is today.

The athlete is proud of her achievements both on and off the field and she hopes to have left a legacy on women's rugby in Australia.

"I'd love for the program to be able to expand and potentially play way more games here in Australia. It's awesome playing around the world, but one thing we miss is playing at home.

"We needed to be playing in front of Australian crowds and on TV at normal hours to build more growth. Hopefully they can keep building, keep paying the girls what they deserve.

"That's another way to facilitate growth and become more professional, build on what they've got there already. Another Olympic gold medal would be nice as well."

While there were numerous highs throughout her time in rugby, Tonegato experienced a number of lows.

Like so many athletes, the outside back battled through multiple injuries in recent years.

But as the physical toll grew, Tonegato was able to shift her focus to the future and a career as an occupational therapist.

The athlete will join former Australian sevens star, and current Shamrocks forward, Jesse Parahi's Sense Rugby business, and she's confident her time as a professional athlete has set the platform for the next phase of her life.

"I signed up for rugby straight out of school," Tonegato said. "I moved away from home, did a lot of growing up. I had to be on my own and navigate being an adult while trying to be professional athlete.

"I have grown a lot, particularly in the mental component. With my mindset to training, handling my body, self talk, I think I've come a long way."

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