HAVING a child play in a national sport would be nerve-wracking enough for any parent.

But having a daughter play in an NRL grand-final?

Well, that’s a whole new ball game.

That’s the nail-biting scenario facing Danny and Katreana Byers as the family packs down to watch daughter, Rhiannon play in the NRL Women’s Grand-Final at Accor Stadium on Sunday.

Rhiannon, a fast-moving forward with Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, carries the hopes of family and friends at Pallamallawa, Moree and the wider communities when the Sharks take on Sydney Roosters in the end-of-season decider.

It’s a huge accomplishment, given she was told a few years ago she’d never play contact sport again after undergoing two back surgeries when playing Australia 7s rugby.

“Cronulla took a chance on her and gave her that opportunity and through their amazing coaching staff, got her back on the field in the Harvey Norman competition, which then led to a contract with the NRLW Cronulla Sharks side,” Katreana said.

The Sharks booked a spot in the grand-final with a win against the Broncos at Brisbane’s Total Workwear Stadium last weekend, beating the minor premiers, 14-nil.

Getting to the NRL centre stage and playing her way to the big dance means more to Rhiannon than simply winning the big one.

Rhiannon lost her close friend, Mason Daley, in a tragic car accident in February last year.

Mason lived at Gravesend, attended Warialda High School with Rhiannon, and played in the Group 19 rugby league competition with Bingara Bullets.

Rhiannon missed pretty much all of the Sharks’ debut season last year after snapping her scaphoid and undergoing surgery, but dedicated this season to her good friend Mason.

“Rhi dedicated this season to Mason and that gets her pushing herself when she thinks she can’t,” Katreana said.

“I know Mason would be so proud of her. He said he would come to her debut game (last year) but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

“But his mum, Leeah, was at her game last weekend against the Broncos and that was so special to have her there,” she said.

“Rhiannon plays with so much heart and soul for the ones she loves. We just had a funeral service for her adopted nan so there was a lot of heart in that game.”

Rhiannon was part of history when she debuted with the Sharks last year under coach Tony Herman.

It was Cronulla’s first game of the NRLW and they won against Canberra Raiders.

“That smile . . . you couldn’t wipe it from her face, knowing she had people who believed in her and knew she had a lot to give,” Katreana said.

“I can’t thank the club enough for that. Rhi’s mental health went on a decline after leaving rugby, but her confidence has gone through the roof with the Sharks and, with such amazing teammates and culture around her, she has excelled.”

Incredibly, Rhiannon didn’t play team sports until she started attending Warialda High School.

In fact, she was an accomplished horse rider during her younger days.

Inspired by her PE teacher, rugby tragic Dale Beattie, Rhiannon started playing the game they play in heaven during her early teens. She also ran on with Warialda Wombats League Tag side.

“When she started, Rhi couldn’t catch a ball if she tried but she worked hard, trained at school on lunch breaks and the rest is history, I guess,” Katreana said.

“Horses got pushed to one side and next thing you know, I’m a rugby mum,” she laughed.

Warialda High School’s 15s outfit excelled, and Rhiannon was noticed. She was picked to play for New South Wales as well as AON University 7s with UNE, when she was noticed again.

“Rhi was tapped on the shoulder by coach John Manenti for the Australian 7s, where she played the Oceania Games, winning gold and the Pacific Games, getting silver,” Katreana said.

Rhiannon then played World Series for three years, and the gold and silverware kept piling up.

Her family and friends are now making a beeline for Accor Stadium this weekend to watch the girl from Pally play in the NRLW Telstra Premiership Grand-Final.

“Danny and I are so very proud of her and her drive to overcome all that has been thrown her way,” Katreana said.

“We want her to just go out there and enjoy it, play for herself and her teammates. She has nothing to prove to anyone anymore.

“We all have amazing children we are proud of, and we strive to bring them up as role models for others.

“I hope there is a little girl out there that looks at Rhiannon and knows that she, too, can one day overcome anything and achieve whatever goals she wants, no matter where she comes from,” Katreana said.

NRLW Telstra Premiership Grand Final

Sydney Roosters v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Kick-off: 3.55pm

(Images Supplied)