Wallaroos winger Maya Stewart admits the news of a maiden call-up got all too much as she reflected on her journey to the Rugby World Cup.
Stewart will start on the wing for Australia against Scotland on Saturday, completing her remarkable recovery from an ACL injury.
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Denied a debut after a breakout 2021 due to COVID, the 22-year-old suffered the injury at the end of last year, ruling her out of Super W and the home Tests.
World Cup also remained the goal but Stewart refused to put too much pressure on reaching the milestone as she looked to remain focused on the recovery process.
Now the dream is a reality, the Waratahs flyer was cherishing the moment.
“It’s was pretty emotional, I definitely shed a few tears with the girls. It’s super exciting,” Stewart told reporters.
“It was just about knuckling down at the start, getting the survey done quickly and then setting that end goal
“I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket. If I got here, I got here but I’ve worked really hard and the team have gotten around me.
“It’s pretty special to me. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time so to achieve it is amazing.”
Stewart will get the chance to share the moment with family, making the trip over from Sydney.
After a prolonged wait, they were clearly on her mind as she talked about the return, particularly her pop in Nelson Bay, with the wait ultimately worth it.
“I think the last three years has been such a grind and to do then do my knee, it’s more fuel to the fire," Stewart explained.
“I think having a really good support network with my family and boyfriend in Sydney but also the team and having KB (Wallaroos physio Kylie Baldwin) in Sydney was amazing. My family will be coming over to Whangarei so it'll be really exciting."
Stewart's inclusion comes with a risk and a sense of the unknown.
The winger hasn't played competitive football since coach Jay Tregonning took over, resided to showing her talent at training and their 'Test match Tuesday' sessions before team selection.
However, Tregonning shut down any suggestions she will be underdone, backing the speedster to shine on the biggest stage.
“Obviously Maya has had a long recovery journey. She was a standout in Super W over the last couple of years and throughout the last couple of campaigns where she has travelled with us she’s shown what an athlete she is and her capabilities,” Tregonning added.
“The last two weeks where she has been in full contact, she’s earned that start.
“The way we compete is sometimes harder that what we’ll face out there and it’s full credit to the whole 32 that push us each week so it’s that performances in that environment that gives us confidence she’ll be ready to go.”
