FROM THE FOOTY FIELD TO THE CLASSROOM | OLIVIA HIGGINS

At League Ahead, we’re always inspired by the players who find their more - purpose both in the game and beyond it. The story of Olivia Higgins, this year’s NRLW Academic Player of the Year, is a great example of what it looks like when passion on the field is matched by passion in everyday life.

Her journey reminds us that players aren’t defined by one path — and that what they do outside of footy can strengthen who they are within it. Discover how Olivia balances two roles she loves, and why teaching has become just as meaningful to her as rugby league.

Olivia’s Story

“I’m pleased to announce the Academic Player of the Year for the NRLW, Olivia Higgins.”

I'm Olivia Higgins. I am a PDHPE teacher in the support unit at Newcastle High School. I have a deep passion for sport, and I wanted to be able to teach kids how to be active. So, straight after school I knew that was something I wanted to get into, and I decided to become a PDHPE teacher. I eventually moved into the special education unit and I’m really loving it.

I just love that every day I come in, there's something different — no day is ever the same. But also just being around the kids and seeing that I can actually make a genuine impact in their lives. I love that whilst there are challenges, there are so many moments of joy.

I’m able to live in a situation where my passions coexist, I guess. And I think that’s really important — not just for rugby league players, but for everybody. You don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket.

I finish a game on the weekend and then I get ready and go to work, and I get to tap into this part of my life that I absolutely love and feel like I thrive in as well. It allows me to be the best I can be both on and off the field.

For me, I love teaching — it’s one of my passions. And I think if I’m happy and feel like I’ve had a good week, then it definitely translates onto the footy field. But in saying that, I’ve also worked out that if things don’t go great at work, I’m still able to flip the switch and focus on footy. I know I have a job to do on the weekend when I play — and I’m able to make that work.