There’ll be much to rejoice for the Higgins clan when they converge around the table for Christmas this month.

Parents Craig and Kath can look proudly upon the feats of their children, who all excelled in their respective sporting competitions throughout 2022.

Daughter Olivia, 30, captured two NRLW premierships – with the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights – and picked up Ron Griffiths’ Coaches Award at the latter club; while Sophie, 28, contested the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League A grade women’s tackle decider and was named the Macquarie Scorpions Player of the Year.

For good measure, the younger sibling also represented the Knights’ Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership outfit.

Sons Liam, 32, and Luke, 26, didn’t fare too badly either.

The pair guided the Scorpions to the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League “big dance” in September, with the latter securing the Macquarie Player of the Year and Real NRL Lock of the Year honours as well.

“I guess it’s been a massive 12 months [for the family],” Olivia said.

“It feels like the year’s gone quick when it’s probably dragged on a bit – I can’t explain it any better.

“I think we’ve all achieved something unique, and that doesn’t necessarily mean winning.

“Liam also announced his retirement following an illustrious career, while he, Luke and Sophie all reached the grand finals for the Scorpions.

“So, it’s been an exciting year for us.”

Now, they’ll get to kick back and reflect on those feats with their parents, and other relatives, come 25 December.

“The Higgins’ Christmas is pretty basic to be honest,” Olivia said.

“We just have a lunch, and a few drinks, at home or at Liam’s place.

“It’s simple but really nice.

“We’re a very close family.

“We spend a lot of time together, particularly us four kids.

“However, it’s always lovely to celebrate Christmas as a family.

“It’s a little bit harder these days with people going to their partner’s houses and things like that.

“But, I think it’s the only occasion we actually sit down and have a meal together because we’re never home at the same time… ever.

“So, we’re looking forward to it.”

Olivia, herself, has the chance to wind down over the upcoming holidays after a hectic period.

The Newcastle High School PE teacher spent most of 2022 “juggling everything”.

“It’s really hard, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.

“I’ve had to, even at the Knights, drop back to three days.

“So, you sacrifice your income… just to fulfil your dreams.

“However, I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“The ride’s been awesome.

“But, I hope one day it does progress to the stage where girls can play league full-time.

“I probably missed out on a couple of work opportunities at the school because I opted for my sport.

“And, I understand the time off can be quite frustrating [for the school], however they were very accommodating as well, which I’m thankful for.

“I know a lot of girls chose footy over jobs – and that’s fine.

“We love playing the game; it’s why we do it.”

Unlike most of her colleagues, Olivia is a self-confessed “late bloomer” in the league ranks.

After plying her trade in tag, she only ventured into the tackle arena in 2018.

Four years later, she’s a dual NRLW premiership winner.

“I began my journey, via league tag, at the South Newcastle Lions,” she said.

“From there, I played a couple of nines matches and got asked to attend a pre-season.

“In fact, Phoebe Desmond – a member of Newcastle’s inaugural NRLW squad – was instrumental early on.

“She told me to come and play a Knights’ tournament, which I did.

“I eventually ended up at the Central Coast Roosters, in the 2020 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, and made my way through the system.

“Then I debuted for the (Sydney) Roosters’ NRLW team this year before joining the Knights.

“I’ve always loved rugby league.

“I didn’t really have an option to play it when I was little.

“So, when the opportunity arose, I grabbed it with both hands.

“But, I just love being around all aspects of the game, even from a young age when dad coached.

“He played league his whole life in Newcastle, as well as the Bears in Sydney.

“Then I watched Liam and Luke run onto the field for so many years.

“Now that there’s a greater chance for girls (to play), it’s fantastic.

“That’s why I decided to give it a go.

“I don’t really see myself as a role model.

“However, I’ve noticed it a bit at school when my students come up and talk to me about playing.

“They want to be involved in footy because they’ve watched some of my matches – and all the girls from the Knights.

“It’s then when I realise that people can actually do what they put their minds to.

“If they witness someone they know [doing well], they’re aware it’s possible for them, too.

“That’s pretty cool.”

Olivia etched her name in the NRLW record books in April when the Roosters secured their maiden title.

Sydney upset the St George Illawarra Dragons 16-4 in front of 8,000 spectators, with the gifted Novocastrian posting a try as her family cheered on from the stands.

“I really enjoyed being at the Roosters – and making my debut,” she said.

“But, as a part-time athlete as they say, it wasn’t easy.

“Luckily, the school would let me go at 2pm, then I’d be in Sydney by 4.30pm for training.

“I did that three-to-four times a week.

“And, in between, I tried to spend moments with the people I love, so it really took its toll.

“While I loved it, we’re only part-time athletes, I couldn’t give up my job.

“That was hard.

“So, it was a thrill being able to return home and join the Knights.”

The rest is history.

Newcastle, in only its second attempt, lifted the NRLW trophy after thrashing the Parramatta Eels 32-12 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

“It was different winning a comp here, let alone representing Newcastle in general,” Olivia said.

“I always knew the locals were big fans of footy and the community gets behind the boys.

“However, I wasn’t expecting it to be the same [feeling] for the girls.

“Also, it was so nice just to finish training and be showered, ready for bed by 9.30pm.

“To still be able to work and not be exhausted was great.

“But, the Knights really took care of us in terms of our wellbeing, workload and other things.

“They were very mindful we still had jobs, some had children.

“So, to win a competition with Newcastle was definitely special.

“We could actually feel the support within the community.

“I believe we fed off it.

“Ronny (Griffiths) placed a big emphasis on making the region proud.

“He told us, regardless of whether we win or lose, we needed to show the community we were putting in an effort and that you wanted to be on the field.

“We noticed, particularly when we dropped a match against the Roosters, we still had son many nice things said to the side, which was really good.

“It’s hard to explain, the mood within the team, we were close and did a lot of things outside of footy, we just wanted to play for each other.

“As for receiving the Key to the City from the Lord Mayor, we were not expecting that reaction.

“When we arrived, we thought ‘are they there for us?’

“I assumed we were attending a private event,” she added with a laugh.

“So, to see that many people at City Hall was amazing.

“I won’t forget that.”

Olivia admitted the benefit of playing alongside a group of locals, such as Hannah and Jesse Southwell, Yasmin Clydsdale, Caitlin Moran, Caitlan Johnston – to name a handful – made a world of difference, too.

“We’re all really close,” she said.

“Particularly for the girls who played at the Roosters… once Hannah signed, we all spoke about [returning home], the carpool got smaller and smaller and we realised we’d be driving more and more.

“Even to be around to witness the emergence of Jesse (Southwell), to see her come through, play and be part of the first Knights’ team to win a comp was brilliant.

“She’s unreal, so humble and still wants to learn much more.

“Jesse’s unbelievable for someone so young.

“And, to have so many girls in the side – from Muswellbrook, Scone, Raymond Terrace, Gloucester, Forster, for example – was the icing on the cake.

“We all had the same love and pride for the jumper.

“This region is a huge nursery for the club.

“When you think of the upcoming expansion of the NRLW in 2023, and how many Sydney teams are coming through, I believe Newcastle will be strong for years.

“There’s certainly more good times ahead.

“I’d love to stay with the Knights, when they finalise the CBA, and defend our crown.

“And, I think we can do it.”

For more sports stories:

• Ocean rides the wave of success
• Newcastle Rebels name 26-man rep squad
• Newcastle to host 2022/23 Australian Boardriders Battle

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.