Higgins has been recruited by the Melbourne Storm’s feeder club the Sunshine Coast Falcons, based at Kawana Waters.

The hooker, who was man of the match in last season’s grand final win for South Newcastle, has played plenty of football at the elite level.

He has racked up five seasons with the Manly club, playing 110 games.

Higgins played two years in under-20s and 51 games in the NRL.

The tough and durable hooker, despite playing in the engine room, has only missed five games in five years.

Higgins has played several seasons in recent years with South Newcastle.

He was part of the premiership-winning team in 2016.

The 27 year old’s recruitment by the Falcons could see him used by the Storm as Cameron Smith winds down his career.

The Higgins family, from Raymond Terrace, has a long history in rugby league.

Dad Craig played several seasons with the Balmain Tigers.

The North Newcastle junior played with several clubs before taking Waratah to a premiership in 1990.

The rugby league tradition continues with his children.

Daughters Olivia and Sophie both play league tag with South Newcastle, Liam is now moving to Queensland and younger son Luke is making his mark on the game also with Souths.

Luke, a creative back rower, won the award for the Newcastle representative player of the year for 2017.

He looks set for another busy year in 2018.