Shaniece and Shaq add new chapter to family club's rich history

As if suffering her second ACL injury wasn't enough to deal with, Shaniece Monschau had the added frustration of being bailed up inside her home during the COVID lockdown.

Having overcome the debilitating injury once to get back on the paddock, Monschau couldn't believe she was going through it all again, but at least she had her family for support.

Her parents, her brother and her nephew were on hand to keep her spirits up before a massive boost came from an unexpected source with the arrival of niece and fellow Bulldog Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau.

"Shaq and her mum actually broke the COVID restrictions and travelled down to our house," Monschau told ljmpta.com after aunty and niece had been part of Canterbury's NRLW debut, a 26-12 win over the Knights.

"All I can remember is just crying because I was just so sad and depressed but seeing them just made it better. 

"I knew from that moment that I had to do what I could to get back because they're sacrificing everything for me. 

"Shaq constantly pushes me. My family is constantly helping me, backing me and is always behind me." 

On a day where the 'family club' more than lived up to its reputation, the story of 23-year-old Shaniece and 19-year-old Shaquaylah getting to share the stage at Accor Stadium was pure magic.

Making the move from New Zealand to Australia in November 2023 to follow their dreams, neither imagined they would be making their debuts on a historic night for the Bulldogs.

"It's an indescribable feeling. We've been waiting for this for so long," said Shaniece, who also overcame back-to-back meniscus tears to make it to the big stage.

"We played many sports together, but it's different being at a professional level and playing for the Bulldogs as well. It means the world to us. 

"This is a job and we get to do it together. We get to do what we love together and have fun and make memories and there's nothing to compare."

Playing alongside the likes of Andie Robinson, Holli Wheeler and Tayla Preston, the duo impressed officials with a stellar campaign in last year's NSW Women's Premiership competition. 

"Incredible. There's nothing that compares to this and nothing beats this feeling," said Shaquaylah.

"We grew up together and she's pretty much like a sister, not an aunty. The feeling is just indescribable.

"It was really hard seeing her battle through the ACL injuries. Her first one, I actually nursed her and she was definitely ordering me around. 

"But it's good to see where she's come from and knowing that I got to be a part of helping her get back and get to where she is."