Tiana Penitani Gray remembers watching the first women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2017 and thinking how special it was to finally see women playing the game she had grown up around.

Nine years later, the Jillaroos veteran will take the field on home soil at a World Cup that looks almost unrecognisable from the tournament she watched as a youngster.

Penitani Gray has been at the forefront of the women’s game for much of that growth, making her Australian debut in 2019 and going on to represent the Jillaroos eight times, while also pulling on the Tongan jersey once in honour of her heritage.

The 30-year-old now has 56 NRLW games to her name and, as one of the competition’s most experienced players, is relishing the chance to see how far the women’s game can go.

“I remember watching it [in 2017] and thinking how amazing that women were playing footy,” Penitani Gray told RLWC media.

“I remember being a little girl growing up and watching my dad play and uncles play, and never seeing women play footy - I never thought it was a sport girls could play as an adult."

From six teams in 2017 to eight in 2022 and 2026, the World Cup showcases some of the biggest stars in the NRLW, with the Jillaroos set to feature in prime-time matches across the country.

For Penitani Gray, it is another step in the evolution of the game.

“We are already so elite in the product that we do have,” she said.

“I think that’s going to entice more people to want to play the game, want to watch the game and want to be there.

“It’s a little moment of reflection if you look back at that 2017 World Cup.

“Eight teams in this World Cup is going to look so different. It’s not just going to be Australia and New Zealand.”

Jillaroos captain Renae Kunst after Australia's win over NZ in the 2017 World Cup Final.

The quality of the opposition is another reason Penitani-Gray believes this could be the most competitive tournament yet.

With NRLW stars choosing to represent their respective nations, the world cup will showcase the growing depth across women’s rugby league and give emerging nations the chance to test themselves against the best.

“This is going to be the most challenging World Cup there is, which excites us as the Jillaroos,” she said.

“Pressure is a privilege.

“To be able to take the game nationwide and give it to a new audience in prime time, to show the best product of all, is such an exciting opportunity.”

Penitani Gray knows first-hand what it means for players to embrace their heritage on the international stage.

In 2023, she represented Tonga, pulling on the red jersey and reconnecting with a part of her identity.

“I am a proud Tongan woman. I have strong ties to the Pacific,” she said.

“Seeing those elite players going to elevate their nations, who are still growing and developing and still unearthing so much of the talent in the islands, is really special.

“I felt that same calling in 2023 when I went and played for Tonga.

“It’s such a special feeling to play for the country you were born and raised in and, two, the other part of the blood that runs through your veins.”

Blues guns Isabelle Kelly, Tiana Penitani Gray and Jesse Southwell will join forces for the Jillaroos.

Now back in the green and gold, Penitani Gray brings a wealth of experience and versatility to a Jillaroos side packed with talent.

The Sharks skipper can cover the wing, centre, five-eighth and second row, giving Australia another experienced option as they chase a fourth World Cup win.

But despite her experience, Penitani Gray is just as excited by the young players coming through.

She has watched the next generation take off in the NRLW and earn their call-up in the best women’s rugby league team in the world.

“I’m excited by that,” she said.

“A rising tide lifts all boats. When you elevate the product of the game and the game goes to greater heights, then you need to be able to match that as an athlete and an individual and focus on your own performance and be at your best.

“The next wave of talent and elite players that are coming through are so young.

“I have to remind myself that I’m like 10 years older than these babies that are coming up, and I’m really proud to still be playing alongside that calibre of player.”