They say having a sister is like having a built-in best friend you just can’t get rid of.

No matter how much you fight, laugh or compete, they’re always there — on your side when it counts.

As the Milleen Group Women’s Premiership grand final creeps closer by the hour, that saying couldn’t be truer for Jorja and Steph Holden.

On Sunday 21 September, the inseparable duo will run out for the Maitland Pickers at McDonald Jones Stadium, ready to take on the Northern Hawks in the biggest game of their lives.

For the Holden siblings, sport has always been at the heart of their clan.

“We’re a sporty family,” says older sister Jorja with a smile.

“We did Nippers, touch footy, basketball, netball… even junior rugby with Maitland Blacks.”

It shows.

They radiate energy and positivity, finishing each other’s sentences and laughing — a lot.

Even with the pressure of a grand final just days away, they seem more like two kids goofing around in the backyard than athletes about to play on the region’s biggest stage.

I’m unsure if they are laughing at themselves, each other or me.

But, the Holden girls smile more than a model in a Colgate commercial.

At 23, Jorja has already tasted the thrill of victory.

She was part of Maitland’s inaugural premiership-winning team last year, helping the Pickers edge out Lakes United 16-10 to claim the club’s first women’s title.

Off the field, she works in the family’s car and truck rental business — a job she loves, though she admits she’d “rather be on the front desk than detailing cars”.

Cue more laughter from the pair, as if perfectly timed.

Her journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

After a promising start with the Newcastle Knights in both the Tarsha Gale and Harvey Norman squads, Jorja’s elite pathway was unexpectedly cut short last year when she was diagnosed with narcolepsy, a neurological sleep disorder affecting her sleep-wake cycles.

“I’m just happy to be here now,” she says.

“I love playing for the Pickers and enjoying my footy again.”

I ask Steph if she can spell narcolepsy – both sisters laugh and Steph declines an attempt at the challenge. 

She, on the other hand, has burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion.

At just 17, she’s already made history as the youngest player ever to compete in the premiership after graduating from junior footy with the Morpeth Bulls.

“My goal is to play at the highest level I can — NRLW, State of Origin, even the Jillaroos,” she says, eyes wide with ambition.

Jorja beams with pride, giving her little sister a nod of approval… before both burst into laughter yet again. They just radiate fun these two. 

When it comes to the decider, their mindsets couldn’t be more different.

“I’m just focused on doing my prep right,” says Jorja calmly.

“Stick to the game plan, everyone turn up ready to play and, hopefully, we get the win.”

Steph grins and shrugs.

“I just wanna have fun. When I’m having fun, that’s when I play my best footy,” she explained.

Preparation has been intense, especially against a Hawks side stacked with talent.

“We’ve done our video with Russ,” Jorja explains.

“It’s all about shutting down their big forwards early, especially the Darcy sisters — they’re great players.

“We also need to defend Brandi Davis Welsh closely; she really hurt us last time.

“And, in attack, it’s about sticking to our structure and playing our game.”

Steph nods in agreement, her focus sharp — though when asked who will be looking after her on the field, her response sparks another sisterly spat.

“Tia Cook,” she declares without hesitation.

Jorja raises an eyebrow.

“She’s not even on the same edge as you.”

“She’ll run over to help me, 100%!” Steph snaps back, playful and defiant.

Both sisters laugh so hard it’s impossible not to join in. I’m surprised at this stage that Tia hasn’t run in to check on her during this interview. 

For Jorja, Sunday is familiar territory.

She’s played on the hallowed turf at McDonald Jones Stadium before and knows exactly what to expect.

For Steph, it’s all brand new.

“This is my first time,” she says, eyes gleaming with excitement.

And, that’s what makes this moment so special.

One sister passing on wisdom and experience, the other soaking up every second of her first taste of the big stage.

On Sunday, as the crowd roars and the pressure builds, it won’t just be about a trophy.

It’ll be about two sisters who’ve grown up side-by-side, now fighting side-by-side, turning a childhood dream into reality.

Whether they lift the cup or not, they’ll walk off that field arm in arm, knowing they’ve shared something unforgettable.

Because long after the final whistle, the scoreboard will fade, but the bond between sisters — forged through laughter, tears, and countless hours of footy — will last forever.

This Sunday, they play for Maitland.

But, more than anything… they play for each other and for their proud family name.

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:

• Underdog Simpson keen to repeat stunning NRLW debut effort for Knights
• GALLERY… Lexi Beagan’s the heartbeat of the Hawks
• Red frog memories and Matildas’ lessons fuel Knights’ NRLW star Gallagher

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