Shannon Mato knows the Gold Coast's maiden grand final is just the start of what's to come in the Titans' bright future.
The extreme optimism is a big reason why the Dally M prop of the year has inked a long-term extension to stay a foundation player until at least the end of the 2027 season, re-signing with immense belief her team will return with the trophy in hand come full-time of next year's big dance.
"Winning comes down to belief and I know our moment will come," Mato said after putting pen to paper.
"Making it to the grand final shows we can reach it and we should be so proud. It's also a good feeling for those who had never made a grand final before and to get that experience.
"I reckon we are all eager to come back in 2024, fix all the little things that we can and give it another shot and prove that it's not just one-time that we can make the grand final.
"I really believe we can bring that premiership home to the Gold Coast, especially with our community and families behind us."
Besides premiership glory with the Titans, many would think there's not much else on the bucket list for the two-time NRLW player of the year after her stellar 2023 season; averaging 180 running metres per game – the most of any forward in the competition – as well as topping the post-contact yardage tally with 210 more metres than any other player in the NRLW.
Adding to an extraordinary rugby league resumé that also includes winning Origin and a World Cup as well as back-to-back top Titans player honours at only age 25; Mato has has a new challenge on her radar as one of the more senior leaders in the squad.
"I think my goals always change each year, but my big one is to always lead from the front," Mato said.
"I just need to be a leader within the game and help the little ones to be prepared and professional and setup the next generation that is coming through.
"I think I'm at that spot where I've got enough experience and leadership to give back and that's my goal now within the game."
Excited to have the ferocious front rower extend her time with the Titans, Karyn Murphy knows the importance of Mato in the starting pack alongside middle forwards Jess Elliston and Georgia Hale.
“Shannon is a hugely important member of our pack as one of the most powerful forwards in the NRLW competition and her numbers give a great snapshot of how lethal she was for us this year up front,” the Gold Coast coach said.
“Well-deserving of back-to-back player of the year honours, she took her game to a whole new level again in 2023 with her metre-eating ability, especially after first contact; but most importantly, her aggression and intensity in defence is what has really impressed me.
“But whilst she might be ferocious on-field, she has such a bright, bubbly and caring personality off the field, which is hugely important for the make-up and balance of our squad.
“I’m really excited to have her locked in with us long-term and continue building our strong starting middle third partnership, which also includes Jess Elliston and Georgia Hale.”
