Evania Pelite has one very special person to thank for her inspiring NRLW season that saw create history and become the first Titan to claim a triple crown in the recent club awards.
Many may think it might be a particular player or coach, or even family member or friend... but it's in fact her orthopaedic surgeon who worked his magic with the triple-code International over the off-season.
"I jokily suggested that I needed to give a special mention to Dr [Ben] Forster," Pelite told Titans.com.au after receiving NRL player of the year honours.
"We did two surgeries last year on my ankle and then I have been battling calf injuries since I came over to the Titans.
"They've always been a bit of a niggle that I haven’t been able to get right, so in the off-season we went to the drawing board and decided we needed to operate on them.
"As soon as I woke up from surgery, I just felt a huge relief and was really glad after I returned to the field from that rehab period my body was feeling good and the calves held up this season.
"That played a huge part in why I was able to have such a successful season."
Pelite power: The Titans' No. 1 gun
Another key motivator for the 29-year-old to claim player of the year, players' player and members' MVP honours has been watching several of her Titans teammates struggle through injury - some senior players even going to extreme lengths to get on the field each week in the midst of Gold Coast's casualty crisis.
"It's been a tough season for us and we had girls out there that weren’t even fully fit… people wouldn't know the lengths that players like Georgia Hale and Britto (Breayley-Nati) went to each week, getting cortisone before every game," Pelite said.
"It was really tough watching from behind and knowing what some of those girls were dealing with and I think it played a part in how I positioned myself this year.
"Knowing there were girls in the front line that were struggling a little bit with niggles, it encouraged me to stay a little closer to the line and I think that played a big part in why I was able to position myself for those try-saving tackles.
"I knew they were putting their body on the line to try and stop the defence so I just had to do what I could to try and ensure we stopped them."
Whilst the end of the season has been a bittersweet one for Pelite, who farewelled her best friend Karina Brown from rugby league after an incredible 14-year career, she is extremely proud of the NRLW pioneer and knows her 2024 achievements have a lot to do with her guidance and mentorship.
"I'm so proud of Goosey," Pelite said.
"I've cried a lot in the last 24 hours (since her last game) and people might not know what she's done off the field, but it's been so good to hear in the last few weeks the stories of what impact she's had on their lives.
"I know the impact she's had on my life and I definitely wouldn't be playing NRLW and wouldn't be a Titan if it wasn't for her. She deserved the week that she got.
"We're best friends and I know our journey doesn't end here in Titans colours. She's still going to be annoying me every other day of the week just like usual.
"I'm just glad she got the ending that she deserved and she's just kept telling me how happy she is and that was the best week so I'm really happy for her."
