The New Zealand Sevens teams are back in action for the first time in 2024 this weekend, looking to make a statement in Perth in an Olympic year.
But there's one player in particular out to prove she's still one of the world's best after a life-changing break.
And if fans are a little confused about Tyla King's return, fear not — she's still getting used to the name change too.
"Even when [I heard] my name just then, I was like, 'oh, that's right! It's Tyla King!"
Formerly Nathan-Wong, the star halfback is back in the squad after a whirlwind eight months in which she made her NRLW debut, earned her first Kiwi Ferns cap and also got married to long-time partner and international paddler, Tupuria King.
"It's been a pretty hectic period of time since I've played my last sevens tournament," King told 1News.
"Fair few stories to share with the girls but also to hear from them too."
King's stint in rugby league, a childhood dream after playing for the New Lynn Stags and Ponsonby Ponies growing up, made coach Cory Sweeney anxious but the break has worked out for everyone.
"Tyla had really strong views around the growth opportunity for her and what she could come back like with the experience of a league season behind her so having that conversation, a good, honest conversation, was awesome," Sweeney said.
"It was something I needed to do," King added.
"I needed to just get away for a little bit to experience something new — a new environment, a new coaching style, all that kind of stuff, just to rejuvenate and recharge the batteries and it definitely has done that."
The 29-year-old is out to prove nothing's changed besides her surname this weekend.
"I think this is my 13th season, I'm one of the old girls now," she joked.
"I think I'm the second oldest here actually!"
Both teams are looking to ignite their campaigns after failing to win in injury-plagued stops at Dubai and Cape Town at the end of last year.
One of those injured was All Blacks Sevens captain Dylan Collier, now back and ready to lead.
"Obviously we didn't start too well in those tournaments but I think this time we've just been focusing a lot more on ourselves and trying to get our own game right," he said.
"We had a good season last year so we're trying to get back to being the same as that and not just thinking it's going to happen."
But it won't be easy with the men drawing rivals Samoa and Fiji in their pool [along with France]. The women are grouped with Japan, Ireland and the United States.
"It's all tough pools these days with only 12 teams in it," Collier said.
"We've played these teams many times before so we know how they play but I think it's just more focusing on ourselves. If we get our own game right, I don't think much teams can stay with us."
They've got just over six months to do so before the toughest stage of all beckons.
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