How Raecene McGregor went from an unwanted star to a history-making NRLW premiership winner

Plenty of the Roosters' NRLW side experienced a rollercoaster ride in 2022, but nobody rose from the depths quite like halfback Raecene McGregor.

McGregor, a two-time premiership winner with Brisbane and a seasoned New Zealand international, was without a club through much of the NRLW pre-season.

Despite the competition expanding to six teams, and with players of her talent in the halves hard to come by, no team managed to find room for the cunning halfback.

McGregor was resigned to missing out on the season before Roosters coach John Strange reached out to add her to his play-making stocks.

Courtesy of that last-minute chance, McGregor has now become the first player to win NRLW premierships with two different clubs after the Roosters' 14-4 win over St George Illawarra in Redcliffe.

«Originally I thought I wasn't going to get picked up. I hurt my shoulder last year, so I was going to miss some time, but Strangey called me up the day before All Stars. He just offered me an opportunity and I took it, and here I am now,» McGregor said.

«I knew the Roosters had a strong side. When he reached out I was really grateful, because I didn't think they needed another ball-player.

»I knew they were already strong. But he still asked me, so it was awesome.

«For me, this is probably the best premiership. I really enjoyed the whole season, nobody made me uncomfortable coming in late.»

Like many of the Roosters, McGregor grew into form as the season went on.

Her two best performances of the year came in the preliminary final and the decider, with her experience and sharp kicking game shining through on the biggest stage.

The victory was just a little bittersweet given McGregor's sister Page was playing in the centres for the Dragons, but to the