Grace-Lee Weekes had a unique sense of perspective when she arrived at hospital with a fractured fibula last July.
A nursing student who also works as a support worker with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Weekes had seen patients facing far bigger challenges through her work.
So while devastated to know her season had ended in an instant, the outside back was mentally prepared for the challenging journey that would follow.
Now, almost 12 months on, the younger sister of Raiders star Kaeo Weekes, is set to make her NRLW debut when the Sharks face the Cowboys on Saturday evening.
"It was really helpful to have work outside of footy during that period," Weekes told ljmpta.com. "At work I'm a whole different person and it's not just me Im caring for, I'm caring for someone else.
Raiders v Sharks – Round 2, 2025
"It helped me take my mind off the injury and seeing the attitude my clients have was really refreshing and distracting. It put things in perspective. I just had a minor short-term injury, they've got prolonged disabilities that they have to live with."
Weekes has always had an interest in health and has had a desire to become a nurse since she was at high school.
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Along with life as an elite footballer, the 21-year-old has one year left in her nursing degree at UTS and works around 20 hours a week as a support worker for people with cerebral palsy.
The end goal is to specialise, with Weekes considering midwifery, paediatrics and paramedicine.
Along with providing a bit of extra medical knowledge when recovering from injury, the centre said her work provides an outlet away from football.
Match: Sharks v Cowboys
Round 3 -
home Team
Sharks
4th Position
away Team
Cowboys
7th Position
Venue: Sharks Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
"I work in respite houses supporting live-in and day programs," Weekes said. "A lot of my role includes making meals, supporting with feeding and showers, outings and medical appointments.
"It's all about supporting the clients to live the way they want to live and making sure they're happy and healthy.
"It really complements my studies and it's flexible enough that I can focus on uni and football. It brings out a natural caring side of me and is such a rewarding and meaningful job."
A suspension to Annessa Biddle has opened the door for Weekes to come into the side after two games as 18th player.
The centre played for NSW in the Under 19 State of Origin in 2023 and earned a promotion to the Sharks' top squad last year before fracturing her leg in a dangerous tackle.
The injury hasn't taken the edge of Weekes' speed, with the youngster boasting the same electifying pace as her older brother.
Kaeo can motor
Already the second-fastest player at the Sharks, Weekes is desperate to showcase her speed on Saturday evening and she's already received plenty of advice from Kaeo.
"It's really inspiring to see how well he's going this year," she said. "He's always been someone I look up to. I know he found it hard to crack it at Manly so watching him shining now he's getting an opportunity in Canberra is inspiring.
"I know I can always go to him for tips. He watches my games and sends me a couple of messages after the game on what I can do better. We're all our own worst critic and he's a tough critic but whenever I ask for anything he's got good advice and knows what to do."
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