Sky Blues winger Tiana Penitani opted out of a Canberra homecoming with the Raiders' inaugural NRLW side, but is still proud to see rugby league flourish in the capital.
The former Dragons and Parramatta star was keen on joining the Raiders, but eventually pushed for a release from her Eels deal to sign with another NRLW expansion team, her former state league side, Cronulla.
"I definitely considered Canberra. It was very enticing," ACT-born Penitani told The Canberra Times ahead of Women's Origin II in Townsville on Thursday.