Driving the culture | Simone Karpani
Recognised for her cultural leadership as a nominee at the 2025 League Ahead Academic & Excellence Awards, Simone Karpani is emerging as a strong influence both on and off the field at the Newcastle Knights. When she’s not working as the club’s receptionist and facility coordinator, Simone is deepening her connection to her Samoan heritage, and using that journey to bring people together and help shape the identity of her club.
Proud of her heritage, Simone is still finding her way deeper into her culture and speaks honestly about the fact that connection isn’t something that happens overnight, it’s something you build over time.
“At the moment, I feel like I’m still learning a lot about my culture. I’m still on my journey… you’re always learning, and it means a lot to me to be able to learn more and more every day.”
A turning point came through her experience representing Samoa, where she felt her understanding grow in a way that only being immersed in culture can provide.
“When I played for Samoa last year, that was when I learned a lot, and I’m truly grateful for that experience.”
That growth didn’t just stay within, but also followed her back into the club environment. In 2025, Simone recognised an opportunity to do more when the Knights marked Samoan Cultural Day. Instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead, she stepped forward.
“I was like, okay, who’s going to drive it? And no one really was. I said, this is really important… this is a special time for us to represent our culture, show it off, and teach others.”
Simone Karpani representing Fetu Samoa in 2024.
What she created has since helped embed culture into the everyday life of the Knights team through the introduction of Mili Mili, a traditional Samoan activity that brings energy and connection before both training sessions and games. It’s now a ritual embraced across the squad, even evolving to include a Knights-specific finish.
For Simone, culture isn’t separate from rugby league, it strengthens it. The more she learns about who she is, the more she feels that translate into how she plays and leads.
“I definitely think embracing your culture does make you a better player. It gives you a sense of pride and a sense of responsibility.”
Her impact at the Knights shows that leadership can take many forms, and as Simone continues her journey, one thing is clear: when players lean into their identity, they don’t just grow as players, but as people and leaders.