Dad Craig Higgins, a tenacious halfback and Raymond Terrace stalwart, was the last premiership-winning captain of the now defunct Waratah Mayfield club, while sons Liam (a hooker) and Luke (back-rower) have tasted representative honours while playing in the Real NRL competition.

But now it’s the females in the Higgins household who are making inroads on the representative scene in women’s league as the sport develops and spreads its wings across the state.

Olivia Higgins, 26, and sister Sophie, 24, were two of an unprecedented six Port Stephens girls to be chosen in the Newcastle and Hunter squad of 26 players to contest the Country Rugby League women’s tackle country championships in March 2019.

The Terrace-based siblings join Nelson Bay’s Bobbi Law, 21, Ashley Bills, 24, from Karuah, Ashlei Grande, 25, a proud member of the Fingal Bomboras, and Medowie’s Amy Whitehouse, 23.

The Higgins pedigree is evident in the style and skill displayed by Olivia and Sophie, who cut their teeth playing against their brothers in the home backyard.

A half or five-eighth, Olivia says she is grateful for the support and encouragement both she and her sister receive from the family.

“Women’s tackle is relatively new and we are all still learning the game. I, like most of the girls, have played tag and touch and now it’s just a matter of developing our skill levels and confidence. This tournament is a great opportunity to learn while competing against other more experienced players,” Olivia said.

Amy Whitehouse, who is the girlfriend of Luke Higgins, is a speedy centre or wing who converted to league from soccer.

“I love to run with the ball and I’m not afraid of the defensive work. I am fortunate that [Luke] has given me some handy tackling tips,” she said.

Shoal Bay’s Ashlei Grande saw her selection as “somewhat of a surprise”, but growing up with three older brothers who all played the game at varying levels had obviously rubbed off on the rugged backrower.

“Prior to this year I hadn’t played any form of competitive sport for around 10 years and I only decided to try out at the last minute. I’m glad I did because I love the game, particularly the tough stuff,” she said.

Another strong running second-rower or lock forward is Ashley Bills, who thoroughly enjoyed her debut season with Karuah.

“My boyfriend [ex-footballer and amateur boxer Daniel Evans] has been a great support. I’d like to think with the right attitude I can one day play the game hard just like he did,” she said.

Following the country championships, a squad will be chosen to contest the ladies nationals in the lead-up to the 2019 State of Origin.

The selection of the six Port Stephens female league players follows the announcement of the men’s squad.

Five Port rugby league players – Aiden Bills (Karuah), Liam Dooley (Bomboras), Hayden Thompson, (Mallabula) Cain Roby and Cain Waterman (Raymond Terrace) – were selected for the Newcastle and Hunter under 23 men’s country championship squad.

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