Lexi Beagan is a walking contradiction in rugby league terms.
An imposing figure, best known for her role as an enforcer up front for the Northern Hawks, she thrives on physicality — hitting hard with her shoulder, relishing the tough carries and often yelling louder than an auctioneer on a Saturday afternoon.
But, as I sit down with her for an interview in the setting sun, the scene begins to shift.
Long shadows stretch across the hallowed turf of McDonald Jones Stadium and, with them, Lexi’s voice softens.
A nervous energy replaces her on-field bravado.
She fidgets slightly, wrapped in a number one jersey handed to her moments earlier by a well-meaning but haphazard ground steward.
“Are you cold?” I ask, thinking perhaps we should move inside for her comfort.
“No, I’m just really nervous. I’ve never had to do this before,” she admits.
We both laugh at the moment. It’s a laugh filled with humanity, a reminder that the softly spoken young woman in front of me is a far cry from the warrior I’ve watched all season leaving bruises and broken defensive lines in her wake.
Beagan is just 21, yet she shoulders responsibility well beyond her years.
Six days a week, she’s in a leadership role.
One of those days, she captains the Hawks during the winter months.
The other five? She stands at the front of a classroom as a kindergarten teacher — a different kind of battlefield altogether.
“As a teacher, I’ve been able to bring across two traits from footy,” she explains.
“The first one being consistency, and the second one is keeping a level head.”
“What about some yelling?” I tease, half-expecting her to admit to using her booming voice in the classroom.
“Umm no TD, you can’t yell at them,” she laughs, shaking her head at me like a disapproving parent, playful but firm.
THE HAWKS’ REMARKABLE TURNAROUND
The Hawks have been the feel-good story of the Milleen Group Women’s Premiership — a season of staggering transformation.
Just seven weeks ago, they were sitting equal last with Western Suburbs.
Today, they stand proudly in the top three, ahead of heavyweights like Central and South Newcastle.
From the outside, it feels like a miracle.
For Beagan though, it was always a story she believed was already written.
“So much of it is down to Brooke (Hawks coach Brooke Roach),” she says with conviction.
“When we were getting beaten a lot at the start of the season, he just kept saying ‘trust the process, just trust the process’.
“Through every loss and every win, it was the same message.
“We put full faith in him and did exactly that — and he’s been able to lead us all the way to this grand final.”
She credits the mid-season additions from Newcastle’s Harvey Norman side as being equally pivotal.
“Those players from the Knights have made a huge difference,” Beagan said.
“The girls came in ready to learn, but also ready to teach our younger girls as well.
“They’ve been such a great addition, particularly in the way we’ve gelled and bonded together as a team.”
A CAPTAIN WHO SHARES THE SPOTLIGHT
When asked about her own improvement, Beagan doesn’t hesitate — she shifts the focus to her teammates, a true reflection of her leadership.
“Ava Glassie is the safest fullback in the competition,” she admits.
“If there’s a high ball, we just know she’s going to catch it.
“Charlie Lahmert is the best hooker I’ve played with.
“Her footy knowledge is second-to-none. She’s so strong and so fit.
“I have no doubt she can go a long way in footy.
“Candice Clay has come primarily from a rugby union background, and she’s taught me a lot with her experience through the middle.
“Ash Grande gives us great experience, and Ash Bills has played for ages as well.
“Just their presence and calmness have been phenomenal.”
This selflessness is what defines Lexi Beagan — a leader who knows the power of shining a light on others.
LAYING FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
When reflecting on the season, her thoughts aren’t solely on Sunday’s grand final.
Instead, her voice grows proud as she talks about legacy and what this team represents for women’s rugby league.
“It’s been great to launch the side and give the girls from Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace a goal — something to work towards,” she says.
“There are heaps of juniors coming through at the Raymond Terrace Roosters who now want to play for the Hawks.
“We’ve laid a platform for this women’s program to just grow and grow.
“And, we’ll always be remembered as the first.”
Even away from the field, rugby league is woven into her life.
“The majority of my life still revolves around footy,” she said.
“I always practice my extras.
“I’m still waiting to get a call-up to kick a big 40/20 — but I’m yet to hear back from the coach somehow,” she jokes, her laugh echoing her earlier nerves.
THE FAIRYTALE NOBODY SAW COMING
The Northern Hawks are the undisputed fairytale story of this year’s competition.
I remember their very first outing vividly — a scrappy, rain-soaked match at Tomaree Sporting Complex where they defeated South Newcastle.
No one, not even the most optimistic supporter, could have imagined they would stand here now on the game’s biggest stage: grand final day.
No matter the result on Sunday 21 September, the Hawks have already won.
They’ve built a legacy around their junior pathway, giving young girls a dream to chase, and proving that belief can overcome any odds.
On Sunday, they face the defending premiers, the Maitland Pickers.
Roach, one of the good guys of Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL), will lead a team of passionate women who thrive on being written off and underestimated.
Some sides crumble under the spotlight of media attention — not the Hawks.
They banter on the sidelines, calling out, “Better be a good article this week!” They even send a cheeky shout-out mid-game on BarTV (cheers, Ash).
Attitude always reflects leadership.
Like their coach, they adopt a “head down, bum up” mentality and tackle every challenge head-on.
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t admire their brand of footy — the spirit they play with, and the smiles they wear no matter the outcome week-to-week.
Good luck to the Northern Hawks this weekend.
Whatever happens, their story has already etched its place in Newcastle Rugby League history.
NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL PROGRAM
Sunday 21 September
McDonald Jones Stadium
- 9.45am: Under-19s – South Newcastle v Western Suburbs
- 11.30am: Reserve grade – Maitland v Lakes United
- 1.30pm: Milleen Group Women’s Premiership – Northern Hawks v Maitland
- 3.30pm: Denton Engineering Cup – Maitland v Cessnock
For more sports stories:
- Amazing entertainment line-up for Newcastle Carnival of Cups
- Newcastle athlete hangs tough to claim 1500m bronze in Tokyo
- Future superstar Lennox Patrick smashing goals on big stage
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