Three-time NRLW title winner Olivia Higgins reveals emotional story behind achieving dream of playing for Jillaroos

Olivia Higgins was weighing up retirement at the end of 2023, believing her dream to play for her country was over. One year on she’s starting for the Jillaroos, revealing the emotional moment she found out she’d be wearing green and gold.

Olivia Higgins would be writing school reports this week had the Jillaroos hooker given up on the dream to play representative football 12 months ago.

Fresh from winning her third NRLW title, the Knights dummy half was weighing up retirement all together in 2023.

The 32-year old believed the chance to play for her state and country would never come.

But her form in 2024 not only earned Higgins selection for NSW Sky Blues but also that illusive Test debut.

On Tuesday, Higgins was named for a second Jillaroos cap in the side to take on the Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch after debuting in Australia’s 84-nil win over Papua New Guinea last weekend.

“When I got the phone call, I just started crying.” Higgins said.

“I was very overwhelmed, excited and shocked to be honest.

Olivia Higgins claimed her illustrious Test debut in Australia’s win over PNG. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I started rugby league late and I always played because I love it. But to be honest, I thought I missed out on representative honours the older I got. To be able to do this now, to be play for Australia was something I didn’t expect.

“I had been lucky to play in the NRLW for three years and had been fortunate enough to play in teams to win three premierships.

“I have experienced things not many get to do and I thought the ship had sailed for representative footy, so I was starting to focus on other things in life.

“I thought I’d have a big off-season, I had a bit of drive left in me and I’m glad I did.

“I think I have found my love for footy again.”

Olivia Higgins is a three-time NRLW premiership winner. Picture: NRL Photos

The first call Higgins made after finding out about her Jillaroos selection was to her father, the second was to the principal at Newcastle High School, where she is a full-time P.E. teacher.

Higgins was supposed to be prepared for the final term of the school year, not Jillaroos camp.

“I was supposed to start (the term) but I had a phone call with the principal and let her know, she had actually seen it on the news first before I told her but she was fine with that, she’s unreal,” Higgins said.

“The school is supportive but I do have school reports I need to write.”

Sarah Togatuki, Quincy Dodd and Olivia Higgins after debuting for the Jillaroos. Picture: NRL Photos

Higgins has been named to start at hooker for the injured Quincy Dodd (quad), after coming off the bench in last week’s demolition job on The Orchids.

Skipper Ali Brigginshaw, who was rested against PNG, will start in the halves alongside Tarryn Aiken. Brigginshaw’s return will see Tiana Penitani shift back into the centre with Jess Sergis dropping to the reserves.

Kiwi coach Ricky Henry has named 13 players, including Mele Hufanga, Abigail Roache, Ashleigh Quinlan from the Ferns side that sunk the Jillaroos in Pacific Championship last November – ending a seven-year losing streak to Australia.

Roosters premiership winner Amber Hall has been named in the second row, with her club teammate Tiana Davidson coming off the bench.

While the Ferns boast plenty of experience, Henry has named two debutants for this year’s series in Brisbane five-eighth Gayle Broughton and St George Illawarra lock Alexis Tauaneai. Titans forward Georgia Hale will captain the Ferns.

Jillaroos centre Isabelle Kelly said the sting from Australia’s shock loss to the Ferns at AAMI Park in last year’s Pacific Championship still lingered 12 months on.

“We hadn’t lost to the Kiwis in a number of years so it really hurt to have that loss,” Kelly said.

“The motivation is really high whenever you put the Jillaroos jersey on. They are getting stronger every year so we have to be on our A-game.”