Griffin shares journey ahead of Harvey Norman Women in League round

This weekend marks the Harvey Norman Women in League round across QRL’s statewide competitions, shining a light on the impact of women in rugby league and the rapid rise of the female game.

Norths Devils BMD Premiership captain Grace Griffin is one of many players helping shape the future of women’s rugby league in Queensland. Her own journey into the game didn’t begin until adulthood, after relocating from Wagga Wagga to Brisbane.

“I grew up in Wagga Wagga and when I was younger there was no rugby league available for girls.

“I’d spend my weekends out at the junior fields watching my brothers play, but the closest thing I had to rugby league was touch football.

“That was the closest I was able to get to playing rugby league, until I moved to Queensland when I was 26, where I then had the chance to play my first game of rugby league,” Griffin said.

She began with Carina Tigers in the local A-grade competition, before the BMD Premiership was established. Since then, she’s seen the female game explode in popularity.

“It’s been so cool to see. I’m a high school teacher and we have a high school competition available for our girls to compete in, so not only can they play junior rugby league, there’s also school competitions and representative pathways for them to step in to,” she said.

Grace’s time in the NRLW was especially meaningful.

“It was beyond a dream come true because this idea of a professional rugby league pathway just didn’t exist when I was growing up,” Griffin said.

“To be able to step into a professional rugby league environment was such an incredible experience and something I’m so grateful for. That saying that ‘girls can’t be what they can’t see’, it’s just great that they can see it now.”

Now a coach, mentor and captain, Griffin is helping guide the next generation.

“I see my role as assisting others with their own pathway progressions... so that when these girls eventually crack NRLW, they can make the most of it,” she said.

“I’ve played alongside some incredible female athletes, and they have taught me a lot. So, for me I’m just trying to bring my own knowledge to the club.”

With strong club support, growing pathways and emerging talent, Griffin is confident the future is bright.

“100%. The amount of talent coming through our pathways is so exciting to see,” Griffin said.