Sidelined by a devastating injury in May which ended her NRLW season before it began, Ivana Lolesio is back out on the field and eager to make her much-anticipated debut to rugby league.
After a lengthy recovery from a ruptured ACL, the rising rookie made an emotional return to the field this week for her first run since the season-ending injury.
"It was quite relieving to be honest and such a great sensation of joy," Lolesio told Titans.com.au.
"I got a little bit emotional which was unexpected but I'm incredibly grateful to be back on the grass again and see that light at the end of the tunnel.
"It has been even more special to do it with Chantay and Destiny as well."
Alongside Lolesio, young talents Destiny Mino-Sinapati and Chantay Kiria-Ratu also tackled year-ending knee injuries, sidelining the promising trio for the entire 2024 season and affectionately now dubbed the "Knee Gang."
"The Knee Gang is very tight and we're more like sisters if anything so it's been really special to do it alongside them because it would've been hard doing it alone," she said.
"We've all seen each other's emotions and we've done everything together during this rehab journey so to be back on the field running together is a memory I'll keep forever."
Earlier this week, the 20-year-old took a nostalgic trip down memory lane at the Gold Coast Titans All Schools – the world’s largest touch football tournament – where she had previously competed alongside Kiria-Ratu during their school days.
"I competed here for six years and it was the highlight every year during my schooling so to be back here today is quite special and brings back a lot of memories," Lolesio said.
"Chantay and I have been playing touch together since we were six-years-old and competed against each other at this competition so to be with her at the Gold Coast Titans is really special."
Lolesio was the third Rugby 7s convert on the Titans NRLW roster in 2024 – with the rising rookie crediting her switch to the influence of ex-union star Evania Pelite.
With her accolades as player of the year, players' player, and members' MVP this season, Pelite stands out as a motivating force for the club's younger players, especially her longtime friend Lolesio.
"She’s someone that I've always deeply respected and admired. We’ve known each other since I was six years old," she praised.
"She’s our MVP, number one on the field and number one in our hearts and to achieve the success she did this year, there’s no one more deserving and it’s been so special and amazing to see."
