A month before Siokapesi Palu was to fly to England for the women’s Rugby World Cup, the Wallaroos captain was in Sydney’s North Shore Private Hospital with her right foot in a cast.

On July 12 in Wellington, Palu’s leg was trapped under a tackle. She was on her back and unable to free herself; her body convulsing in pain. In the change rooms at half-time, the initial diagnosis came through, and her chances of playing in the World Cup weren’t great.

Siokapesi Palu at Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium ahead of her debut on Sunday. Credit: Getty Images

“I just bawled my eyes out crying … I just knew my hopes of a World Cup were very slim,” the Wallaroos captain said.

Scans showed a complete tear of the Lisfranc joint – an injury that usually sees players sidelined for three months. It s

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