St George Illawarra's Kezie Apps, Keeley Davis chasing NRLW premiership

The duo have stuck by the club through thick and thin.

Read more: Bartlett, McGregor determined to prove doubters wrong in NRLW grand final

They featured in the Dragons inaugural match in 2018, shared the devastation of the 2019 grand final defeat and played through a disastrous 2020 campaign.

A mass exodus followed, however Apps and Davis remained to lead a rebuild that has culminated with Sunday's decider against the Roosters in Redcliffe.

"I feel like we went under the radar," Apps said. "A lot of the girls had to move because of the marquee contracting from the NRL. They split the teams up to make the competition fairer, but I feel like we were heavily hit with a lot of girls leaving.

"We had all the faith in [former coach Mathew Head] and Sowie (Jamie Soward) in bringing a team together of local juniors and hidden gems who were on the fringe. We've come together so well, the club's been great for us.

"It's been a really great experience and something I'm really proud to be a part of. Hopefully we can get that win on Sunday, which would be a reward for all the girls."

Captain and vice-captain, Apps and Davis have led St George Illawarra throughout their resurgence.

With Dally M winner Emma Tonegato and rookie halves Rachael Pearson and Taliah Fuimaono, the Dragons have stunned many.

Apps, however, has long known this was a team capable of big things.

"I felt we could go this far in pre-season by the way we were training. I felt like we had something special,'' she said.

"After that first game then the Eels game, which I had to sit out, seeing how well the girls kept showing up for each other and how much it meant, we didn't want to let anyone down. From that game, I feel like we've been building and we can go all the way."

While thrilled to get this far, both Apps and Davis know the job is not finished.

The pair lined up for the 2019 decider, a contest that quickly turned into a nightmare 30-6 loss.

Davis has been trying to expunge those memories ever since.

"That was a pretty rough one to be part of," Davis said. "We haven't had much success since. I'm glad to be back there, but don't want to ever feel that bad again."

Since that 2019 loss, Davis has continued her rise to the top of women's rugby league, the hooker playing a key role in the Dragons' success.

Apps has had some injury struggles, but continues to make an impact in attack and defence when on the field.

The pair will draw on all their big-game experience this weekend. They have faced off in numerous Illawarra League grand finals, while they have also represented NSW and Australia.

It's experience Apps expects to utilise throughout the weekend, the 31-year-old aware she may not have another opportunity to win an NRLW premiership.

"This is what we play for and it's our main goal, to win a premiership," Apps said.

"We were so close in 2019 but so far away, the Broncos were too good for us. This season started well, we've got a great bunch of girls, we've worked hard and we're here in grand final week.

"Hopefully our preparation goes to plan and come Sunday we put in our best performance and bring that trophy home."

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