New NSW Waratahs skipper Kaitlan Leaney believes the best is yet to come as the defending champions look to rise to the challenge of the Western Force in Perth.
The Waratahs have started their campaign with wins over the Fijiana Drua and ACT Brumbies in 2026, hunting for their third straight title.
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However, in an ominous sign for the rest of the competition, the second-rower says there is plenty of growth left in the team.
"We talk about evolving each week.It's one of our themes this year, and I think we haven't been super happy with the two performances we've put out, but we have got those wins," Leaney said.
"It's important for us, and we're really hungry to go out there on Saturday and really prove a point in this competition and make sure that we put in a really good performance that we're happy with.
"We're letting teams into the game through our lack of discipline so really looking to sharpen that up this weekend."
Leaney will lead the side with regular captain Emily Chancellor called up to skipper the famous Barbarians against Wales at Twickenham.
The two have co-captained the Wallaroos together but the chance to take command of her home state was telling for the Waratahs lock, fresh off her 25th cap for the club.
"It means a lot to me. I started my professional rugby career here at the Waratahs. They've given a lot to me as a club and to my family and supported me throughout my career so I'm incredibly grateful," she said.
"It's a great bunch of girls, and I think it's something that, you know, you don't ever really expect, but it's nice to have the title."
Leaney and the Waratahs remain on guard for a fired-up Force outfit, coming in on a high following their last minute winner over the Queensland Reds at home.
"They have a really good program over in WA and we know they're a really hard-working team that like to fight for the whole 80 minutes so we know that they won't go away easy," she added.
"They'll fight really hard and we're looking forward to a good battle."
