Tamika Upton sat out Australia's successful 2022 World Cup campaign after managing a calf problem late in the season.
The five-time NRLW champion said the break proved right for her body, although watching the team succeed brought some regret.
"Injuries suck, but they're a part of the game and in the year after my body was fresh, I knew it was the right decision," she said.
"But you do get a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) and you watch them go over there and kill it.
"Obviously it sucked, but it was probably the best thing for me."
Now Upton faces New Zealand fullback Apii Nichols in Sunday's World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium.
The matchup echoes the men's final, where Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga are also set for a head-to-head contest.
Upton recognises Nichols' form but said she would focus on team momentum, field position and keeping New Zealand in its own end.
"I'm on my own little island back there at fullback sometimes," she said when asked about the battle with the Warriors gun.
"She's in really good form, but to be honest she always is, so you know what you're going to get with her.
"It's all about momentum, keeping them in their end, kicking the ball in a nice spot. the halves are all over it, and I'm sure they'll be doing the exact same thing to me too."
A World Cup title would add a major honour to Upton's already extensive collection.