'Girls got around me': Polata pays tribute to her NQ posse

Not a bad way to rekindle your NRLW career with a try on your return from a 12-month injury lay-off... just ask North Queensland Cowboys forward China Polata. 

The Tonga international has had to endure not one, but two knee reconstructions, tearing the ACL in her left knee in 2020 as an 18-year-old. 

She then suffered the same injury in her right knee during Round 6 of the 2024 NRLW season against her old club the Broncos. 

“It was much easier second time around as I knew I could do the rehab,” Polata told 94ddz.com after making a successful return to the NRLW in the 30-8 win over Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.

“The first time it was really hard as I was by myself a lot so it wasn’t a great time in my life.”

Polata made her NRLW debut with the Broncos in 2021 moving to the Cowboys for their 2023 debut season. 

“Everyone at the Cowboys was so supportive. Whenever I was down, there was always someone to lift me back up – the girls got around me; never left me alone,” Polata said of rehab round two. 

She also played two games for Mackay Cutters in QRL’s BMD Premiership to give the knee a good trial run. 

“I’ve come back super-confident this time – I knew I was ready," she said.

Polata scored the Cowboys' fourth try on Sunday by doing her favourite thing – running off halfback Tahlulah Tillett. But her first touch when she came on in the 20th minute wasn’t as flash. 

“I knew there might be a goldfish moment, like knocking on in my first carry,” she said. 

“I could have easily let that get to me but I got straight back up and forgot about it. 

“I’m just glad I got over the line for the team to make up for it.” 

Polata’s two Tests for Tonga (2022 and 2023) were at five-eighth and centre. She played wing at the Broncos and her first season with the Cowboys was either on the wing front row or at lock. 

How does an outside back end up in the second row? 

“I have no idea. But I grew up playing fullback so it definitely helped me to have that knowledge of edges and working them,” she said. 

“I went into the middle in 2023 and learnt a lot from (fellow Maroons Origin players) Makenzie Weale and Emma Manzelmann. Those girls were a big, big part of my journey. 

“I was still nervous at first but now I’m loving it.” 

Polata's return is timely with a blockbuster clash against the unbeaten Roosters looming in Round 9 and a maiden finals campaign beckoning for North Queensland.

"It’s great. Obviously our first year was us growing and last year we wanted to nudge that forward and then this year we wanted to rally again," she said.

“Six wins is our best season so far so we’ve got a good base now.” 

A return for Tonga in this year’s Pacific Championships is also on the horizon. 

Their first match is scheduled against the Cook Islands at Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium on October 25. 

“I love playing for my family nation – my dad’s home country. I lived there when I was young... so much passion there,” Polata said. 

“But I need to get through this (Cowboys) season, hopefully a finals series and then let’s see how I go from there.”