Origin of Georgia's rise as Sharks player of influence

Sharks rookie Georgia Hannaway has revealed how an unexpected Origin call-up has helped her develop into one of the most influential players in Cronulla's finals push.

Chosen for Queensland as an interchange utility in Origin III, Hannaway has made a seamless transition from five-eighth to hooker for the Sharks following an injury to Jillaroos star Quincy Dodd in Round 6.

Since then, the 24-year-old has played five games in the No.9 jersey, crossing for two tries and setting up another six, as the Sharks hit form ahead of Saturday night's preliminary final against Sydney Roosters in Gosford.

“I set a couple of goals last year, but I didn’t think I’d achieve them so soon,” Hannaway reflected on an Origin experience she describes as “unreal.”

“I thought maybe four or five years, but I was lucky enough to get that Origin debut.

"Just being in camp, learning off the best halves and some of the best players in the game, it’s taken my game to another level.”

With her adaptability, skill, and growing influence on the big stage, Hannaway has not only cemented herself as one of the stars to watch in the future of the NRLW.

Her impact was on full display in Cronulla’s elimination semi-final win over the Cowboys, where she scored a crucial second half try and nailed four conversions from as many attempts to seal the Sharks’ passage to the preliminary final.

“I came off the bench with the message to make a difference, so I just tried to do whatever I could,” Hannaway told 820517.com.

“I never score, so I was just grateful to go over. Even if it wasn’t me, I just wanted to create opportunities for the team.”

It’s been a rollercoaster year for Cronulla, with injuries forcing several players into unfamiliar positions, but Hannaway’s willingness to step up after coach Tony Herman moved her to hooker has been key to the club’s late-season surge.

“Tony rang me one day and just said, ‘Hey, I need you to move to nine’,” Hannaway explained.

“We’ve had too many injuries, and I just said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do.’ It’s been a bit of a learning curve but having Quincy in my corner while she’s been injured has made the transition a lot easier.”