If it wasn’t for her Canberra teammate, five-eighth Krystal Blackwell wouldn’t be playing in a historic clash for the club.
It's why the 23-year-old sees the Raiders' first NRLW finals match against Wests Tigers on Friday night as a full-circle moment.
As a starry-eyed teenager, Blackwell moved to Goulburn, about 90km north of the nation's capital.
“I had never played rugby league," Blackwell told AAP.
“It was one of my really good friends, Maddy Tooth. She's in the NRLW side as well.
"She asked me just to come play and have a bit of fun running around.
“It's been really special to come back here and play in the NRLW squad. This group's been an amazing group, and the connection we have off the field really shows on the field.”
Blackwell has become the Raiders' mainstay No.6 since moving from North Queensland in the off-season, and she has established a dangerous combination with halfback Zahara Temara.
Fresh off a 22-10 victory over the Tigers last Friday, the pair will look to repeat that performance at Campbelltown Sports Stadium this week.
But Wests, who are also playing in their first ever final, want to continue their fairytale campaign after finishing as wooden spooners in the previous two seasons.
The joint venture has produced a remarkable transformation under coach Craig Sandercock, who joined the club in the off-season and brought in 13 new faces.
"I played a year for the Bulldogs in 2023, and he took over as our coach halfway through the season," back-rower Shenai Lendill, who was one of those recruits, told AAP.
"I was only with him for maybe two, three months, but he left a lasting impression.
"I was jumping to get back here when I knew he got the job.
“We’re making history ... 'Sandy' has a lot of belief in us."
Lendill insists the side is high on confidence, despite losing their final two games of the regular season, which included a 58-0 drubbing by the Gold Coast in round 10.
With a first preliminary final berth awaiting the winner of Friday's match, the Tigers have also been given a huge boost, with the inspirational Kezie Apps returning from a leg injury.
“She's the heart and soul of the Tigers team here, so it's great to get her back," Lendill said.
“She's been at the Tigers since the beginning. She's been through all the hard times."
