The Kiwi Ferns ran through their final preparations today before their Rugby League World Cup final against Australia.
With the training done, there's been plenty of reflection for the squad before a game that, for many, means so much more than just a game.
Plenty of hard work has gone into this campaign and for Christyl Stowers, a lot of hurt.
"In 2020, just before my debut, I lost my father to cancer," Stowers told Newshub.
"Then just before I also got diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. So I wasn't sure I would play again."
Specialists told Stowers she shouldn't, but that just wasn’t an option.
"It's worth the pain, I'll keep playing," she said. "I love it… it's good for the soul for me.
Stowers' mum has also been diagnosed with breast cancer.
For her, this weekend's final at Old Trafford is all about whanau.
"I'm definitely taking them with me on the field," she added.
For this squad, teammates are family too.
"The girls themselves know their journeys but a lot of them have shared that with us," said captain Krystal Rota.
"That just makes us want to play more for each other and creates a good sistership amongst the girls."
Regardless of Sunday's result, Rota insists she's already a proud skipper. Of course, victory would provide the ideal icing on the cake and validate their collective hard work.
"I know that a win would mean everything to the girls," said Rota. "That's what we've made all the sacrifices for and all the time out into rugby league and leaving families behind.
Stowers added: "It's been challenging for me mentally and physically as well, to be here is cool… a dream come true."
Watch the full story above, and catch the Rugby League World Cup live on Spark Sport and free-to-air on Three
