Meet the Blues duet hitting the right notes at work and play

They play for the same club, the same state, have a fitness business together and teach at the same high school. 

And did we mention NSW hooker Olivia Higgins and second-rower Yasmin Meakes are roommates ahead of Women’s Origin Game Three at Cbus Stadium?

“Am I sick of seeing her? Yes, I am,” Higgins laughs. “Actually, I don’t think I could ever get sick of her. We are such different people and that’s why it works. We help each other, we bounce off each other.” 

Meakes added: “I feel like I’m lucky, but she’s also lucked out. I elevate Olivia up and she helps level me out.” 

Both women work for Newcastle High School’s inclusive education unit, so they are helping students with learning and developmental difficulties.  

They are both qualified teaches specialising in physical education.

They absolutely love their jobs and they are grateful the hierarchy at Newcastle High in suburban Hamilton give them all the time they need to train, travel and play for NSW. 

Their students are some of their biggest fans.

“I’m really happy to take all their questions because it’s where our women’s game is right now,” Meakes said. 

“People want to know more about it and what it’s like. Hopefully contact with us shows girls it’s a viable game and one they can absolutely take up. 

“Many of our teaching colleagues have got children who look up to us and watch us play. They bring their footy cards to school to sign. 

“Honestly I feel like it’s a privileged position to be in.” 

Higgins said she was uplifted by her students being “genuinely invested” in her football career with the Knights and NSW. 

“They are watching it and I’ve got boys 16, 17, 18 years of age asking me questions about footy. I had one student saying he wanted to play dummy half and wanted to know how to practise playing there,” she said. 

“Many young girls as well are wanting to know how they can get involved, how to join a club. 

“We have had many come to our Future Fierce Academy programs, where but they can come and see first-hand how to improve their fitness and leadership qualities.” 

Meakes and Higgins co-founded the academy in 2024 and run free sessions during the school holidays, targeting rural and regional communities primarily.  

Turning to the final game of the series and Higgins will again he starting at hooker, this time with the No.9 on her back while her partner at rake, Keeley Nizza, wears No.14. 

“The number doesn’t change my mindset. Keeley and I work really well together I think,” Higgins said.

“We’re a very balanced hooking combination and I spoke to Strangey (NSW coach John Strange) that I didn’t care what number I wore, I just wanted to play, represent my state and do a good job whether it’s starting or off the bench.” 

Meakes will be playing her 14th game for NSW – the fourth most-capped player behind Kezie Apps (19), Isabelle Kelly (18) and Jess Sergis (15).