When Lower Macleay Magpies player Nakita Binge went down with a dislocated knee in the Group 3/Hastings League's 9s grand final last season, she thought her chance of earning selection into the North Coast Bulldogs side was dashed.
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Binge was forced to sit out the trial match between Group 2 and Group 3, which was used to select the Bulldogs 2019 squad, two weeks later.
"I was devastated when I found out the match between Group 2 and Group 3 was being used to select the North Coast Bulldogs side for this year," Binge told the Argus.
"I thought I had missed my chance to be picked in the team because I was injured and unable to play the trial."
Fortunately, Binge's injury wasn't as severe as first thought and she was back to full fitness within a month.
Then, based on the performances Binge had produced at club level over the past two seasons, the 24-year-old received a phone call in January to ask if she was interested in joining the Bulldogs squad.
"I felt like I was given a second chance, so I wanted to take it with both hands," Binge said.
"I have trained hard and earned my spot in the side."
The centre lined up in the Bulldogs' first trial match against the Northern Rivers Titans last weekend and played a key role in the side picking up a convincing 24-6 victory.
Binge will take to the field for the Bulldogs in their first Women's Country Championship match this Saturday when they do battle with the Greater Northern Tigers at Coffs Harbour.
The attacking weapon is looking forward to the challenge and claims her side has the potential to achieve something special.
"We played outstanding against the Titans, we all stuck together and remained positive throughout the game," Binge said.
"I think we will go pretty well in this competition and if we win our first two games we will advance to the semi-finals.
"It will be a tough game against Newcastle in a fortnight but I think we have what it takes."
The talented rugby league player is hopeful of passing on the knowledge she has learned in the Bulldogs camp when she returns to play for the Magpies in the upcoming Hastings League competition.
The Macleay's Owen Blair was also selected into the Under-23s Country Rugby League side.
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