Gloucester's Tayla Predebon feels more confident this time around and knows the Central Coast Roosters will have to lift for a NSW Women's Premiership decider without the services of fellow prop Caitlan Johnson and Broncos-bound Jayme Fressard.
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Predebon, 19, was part of CRL Newcastle's state title last year before joining the Roosters, who tackle the North Sydney Bears at Bankest Stadium on Sunday. She came off the bench 12 months ago but will now be starting in the front-row.
"Last year was my first real season and I was stright into the CRL side," Predebon said.
"I feel a lot more confident now and know my role better. I'm still nervous [about the grand final], but know what to expect this time."
Johnson injured her knee last start and remains sidelined while outside back Fressard played in Central Coast's major semi-final victory on September 12 before heading to Brisbane for a quarantine period ahead of next month's NRLW.
"We know they are massive losses and that we all need to step up," Predebon said.
An ankle injury saw Predebon miss a few weeks earlier in the campaign but she has been back on the field for the last four games.
The minor premiers are undefeated in 2020 and had last weekend off. Central Coast beat the Bears 16-6 when they met on August 30.
NRLW respresentatives with Sydney-based teams such as captain Isabelle Kelly (Dragons), Hannah Southell, Mel Howard, Bobbi Law, Brydie Parker and Yasmin Meakes (Roosters) will still line-up for Central Coast this weekend ahead of round one next Saturday.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
