Rugby sevens star Tyla Nathan-Wong is raring to make her Black Ferns dream a reality, over 13 years on from an unlikely trial.
Nathan-Wong was asked to attend a try-out as a 15-year-old, but was unable to be selected due to her age.
Now 28, she is relishing the opportunity to achieve a lifelong goal in the 15-aside format, after being named in the Black Ferns squad to take on Australia in the Laurie O'Reilly Cup.
Having made her bread and butter in sevens for the last decade, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze medallist is itching to go.
"We had a few days to let that soak in over the weekend, but at the same time, I was really excited to join up with the 15s girls," Nathan-Wong said.
"It's a new challenge for me, and I'm just ready to be a sponge, soak up as much as I can and as fast as I can.
"I didn't know if that dream or opportunity would even come around again. But it's something that I've always wanted to do and always wanted to achieve in rugby.
"To see that I'm almost there, something that I can almost grab and hold on to, it's a pretty special moment.
"To come back to where my love grew for the sport of rugby, it's pretty special."
Nathan-Wong is expected to cover both the halfback and fullback positions and is leaning on teammates to help her find her feet and settle in the new format.
But she's taking the experience in her stride and isn't feeling the pressure that usually comes with being a debutant.
"I don't think there's any pressure at all, I don't feel any pressure, it's just a lot of excitement. Of course, there's always going to be nerves," Nathan-Wong said.
"Any time you put that black jersey on, there's always those slight nerves, but for me, there's just so much excitement to be here and learn from the girls that are here.
"They're so open and want to help where they can. Any questions I ask, they're helping me answer them.
"I'm excited to see where I can take this on my own personal journey, but just to see where this team can go."
