Players Champ Sergis on where her aggression comes from
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Give some credit to Jess Sergis's father and brother.
If it hadn't been for their rough and tumble tutelage, with some expert tips thrown in by dad Paul and brother Brandon, Sergis might not be the aggressive, assertive player you see today.
Whether it's anticipating the intercept pass and racing 80 metres to score, or the fend, the steal, or dragging players attached to her, Sergis is known for that 'never give up' attitude.
"I guess just the love of the sport. I've grown up tackling my dad and my brother. So they're to blame," Sergis told pan66.com after taking out the RLPA's Players Champion of the NRLW for 2019 at Monday's awards night in Sydney.
The 22-year-old always has a smile on her face and is one of the most popular members of the Dragons women's team, the NSW Origin side, and this weekend the Australian Nines squad.
"I am a different person on the field. I am pretty aggressive but that's a side of my footy that I love because I know I give it my all every time I run out."
That attitude has helped her land the Dally M Player of the Year award this year and then two days later, the Dragons women's player of the season. Three big awards for an outside back with a big future.
Jess surges to Dally M-Players' Champion double
"Words can't really describe how I'm feeling. There is still that niggling feeling that I don't really deserve this because there's so many amazing players out there," Sergis said, after winning the RLPA award from four other finalists: Georgia Hale (Warriors), Charntay Poko (Warriors), Rona Peters (Broncos) and Botille Vette-Welsh (Dragons).
"But I'm definitely very honoured. And if it was going to be any year then I'm glad it's this year because I've worked so hard to get back due to injury (ankle, foot).
"I've given it my all so if this is the rewards for that, then there's a certain satisfaction in that."
She is back in the Jillaroos side for the October 25 Test against New Zealand in Wollongong but first the World Nines at Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium.
"This is my first go at Nines. I'm expecting a different level of football. I'm really excited but at the same time a bit nervous – I'll really get to see how my fitness levels are.
"I've got some very good players around me so I get a lot of confidence from that. I really can't wait to get out on the field on Friday."
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The next question is where Sergis, who made 21 tackle breaks and two line busts in her four NRLW matches, will line up in coach Brad Donald's said.
"You're pretty much running everywhere," she said. "I've been practising everywhere at the moment – wing, centre, fullback – because you never know what's going to be thrown at you.
"It seems to be a game that you take minute by minute and see how quickly you react to what's happening in the game."
The Australians first game is against the Kiwi Ferns on Friday night.
