Samantha 'Sassie' Economos is one tough cookie.
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The 28-year-old will miss the remainder of the NRLW season after fracturing her left eye socket early in the second half of her Sydney Roosters debut, but is still in high spirits.
The forward says she is recovering well after hurting herself while making a tackle in her side's one point win over the Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday, March 20.
"I shattered my left eye socket eight minutes into the second half," Economos said.
"The halfback defending next to me had a head clash with an Eels player, making the latter throw her head back.
"I copped the back of her skull right in my eye.
"It affected my vision straight away.
"I tried to get up because I wasn't in too much pain, but I found out later it was because I crushed a nerve in my face.
"I had surgery the week after to get a plate put in.
"I will now do light exercise for at least the next five weeks and see the surgeon every month until I'm allowed to get back into proper training."
Fox League commentators thought the former New Zealand Warrior was forced out of the game with concussion at the time, but that was not the case.
Despite all that, the Mulwaree High School teacher was still pleased with her round four performance.
"I was out with COVID in the first couple of games, so I was excited to take the field with the girls," Economos said.
"I came in early in the match and played out the rest of the first half.
"The Eels tend to play a lot to their left and I play left second row so the ball didn't come out my way too much for defence."
Mulwaree High School principal Sally Curry congratulated Economos on her debut.
"She is an outstanding educator, student mentor, role model and athlete," Curry said.
"She has worked so hard to be in this position and the students, staff and school community are very proud of her achievements.
"She represents what taking opportunities, hard work and dedication is about."
The Roosters will play the Brisbane Broncos at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, April 3 from 1.45pm for a spot in the NRLW final.
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