To describe the Higgins clan as a “rugby league family” would be an understatement.
They’re that and so much more.
Father Craig’s a legend within local sporting circles, claiming the 1984 Player of the Year award, while sons Liam and Luke recently contested the Newcastle RL (Real NRL) grand final with their beloved Macquarie Scorpions.
But, for now, it’s daughter Olivia’s turn to shine.
The gifted hooker was an integral member of the Knights’ NRLW side, which captured the Hunter club’s inaugural Telstra Women’s Premiership this month at the expense of the Parramatta Eels.
The silverware also doubled as Newcastle’s first major trophy – male or female – since 2001.
A self-confessed “late bloomer”, Higgins was thrilled to be a part of history, despite winning the title with the Sydney Roosters earlier in the year… and scoring in that decider.
“It’s very special,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“To come home and then do it for a team I grew up supporting is really cool.
“I haven’t felt that before, so it’s nice.”
Higgins only began her “tackle” journey in 2019, rising through the ranks via league tag.
“When I was growing up, there wasn’t a competition for girls,” the ex-Aberglasslyn Ants junior said.
“So, I started playing [league] tag for South Newcastle.
“And, from there, I played a bit of nines, progressing through to CRL for Newcastle and then the Central Coast Roosters.
“I soon found myself with the (Sydney) Roosters in the NRLW.
“Now, I’m back with the Knights; it couldn’t be better.”
Higgins admitted it was “inevitable” she’d fall into code, too, given her pedigree.
“My dad played league his whole life in Newcastle and for the Bears in Sydney,” the 30-year-old said.
“He’s coached my brothers right through, so I’ve always been around the game.
“But, I just love it.
“I live and breathe footy.
“It’s all that’s on TV and it’s all I remember watching as a kid, including the boys’ matches.
“That’s where my interest began.”
And, now, she’s also shown up her talented siblings on the big stage.
While Liam and Luke fell one victory short of success in 2022, Higgins picked up two NRLW titles.
“That’s good as well, getting one up on my brothers.
“In fact, I think Liam’s sick of coming to my grand finals,” she added with a laugh.
“Seriously, they both love it; they’re really supportive, along with mum and dad.
“They try to attend every game, even though it was hard for a while when they played in the recent Real NRL semis.
“Liam actually left his end of season footy trip early to watch the decider, which was massive.”
As for Higgins’ immediate future, she’s keen to remain a member of the Knights’ outfit.
“The contracts are yet to be finalised for next year, as they’re still sorting out the CBA with the NRL,” she said.
“So, hopefully, I’ll be on deck again.
“If we can keep the core group of girls together, especially with the new sides entering the competition, that would be fantastic.
“My gut feeling is I think most of them will stay.”
The victorious Newcastle squad – Tamika Upton, Kiana Takairangi, Shanice Parker, Bobbi Law, Emmanita Paki, Kirra Dibb, Jesse Southwell, Caitlan Johnston, Olivia Higgins, Millie Boyle, Romy Teitzel, Yasmin Clydsdale, Kayla Romaniuk, Emma Manzelmann, Tayla Predebon, Simone Karpani, Makenzie Weale, Caitlin Moran, Kyra Simon, Tiana Davison, Jessica Gentle, Tamsin Barber and Hannah Southwell – was also presented with the Key to the City by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at a civic reception, in front of more than 1,000 fans.
