Liv for the moment and then turn your focus to Brisbane

Even after helping guide the Knights to a record-breaking 38-0 victory over the Dragons in her milestone match at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday night, Olivia Higgins was looking ahead to the next challenge. 

In her 50th NRLW game, the Newcastle, NSW and Australian No.9 was her dynamic, dominant self as the Knights recorded the biggest win in the club’s six-year history, surpassing their 46-10 win against the Titans on the Gold Coast in 2024. 

Higgins led the Knights out, running through a guard of honour of family and friends wearing specially made souvenir T-shirts to celebrate the occasion.  

"I loved it," Higgins said. "They had some shirts on that had every photo that I absolutely hate, but it was really special. As soon as the kick-off went, I was focused on the game, but seeing them all afterwards in the sheds, it was really special. 

"I just wanted to obviously play well but not over-think it too much. 

"But in saying that, I had all confidence in the team that I play with that they'd all do their job, so I'm super-stoked for all of them and how we played today." 

Sitting alongside coach Ben Jeffries and captain Yasmin Meakes at the post-match media conference, still wearing the jersey commemorating her half-century, Higgins did not take long to turn her mind to what lies ahead. 

The third-placed Knights face the Broncos in Brisbane next Sunday, and the defending premiers and unbeaten leaders are spearheaded by former Knights teammates Jesse Southwell and Tamika Upton. 

After winning a premiership with the Roosters in 2021, Higgins won another two with the Knights in 2022 and 2023 playing alongside Southwell and Upton. 

"We love away games as well. We're excited, there's no pressure on us, and we just want to go up there and play a style that suits us," Higgins said. 

"For us, it will be our focus this week. 

"I think every single girl on the park can still improve and we know that – they're all eager to learn – so we'll reset, flush this, and look forward to a challenge up there." 

The 33-year-old Newcastle High School teacher will remain with the Knights until the end of 2027, having signed a contract extension late last week. 

"It was important for Liv to understand that she didn't have to go out and do anything more than what she normally does," Jeffries said. 

"Sometimes we put pressure on ourselves to try and overdo things, but I thought she played really well. 

"She played a really good game, and the girls played their part around her. I'm really happy for Liv for them to play like that for her." 

Higgins is part of a Newcastle leadership group that includes Meakes, vice-captain Kayla Romaniuk and prop Tayla Predebon. 

The Aberglasslyn Ants junior took on more responsibility against the Dragons when Meakes limped from the field late in the first half and will play a similar role if Meakes is ruled out for any length of time. 

Meakes said her Newcastle, NSW and Australian team-mate inspired and motivated other players with actions and words, on and off the field. 

"It's something pretty special, and I feel like we're going to be able to remember that forever, Liv and I, but it's a credit to where BJ's got our team at the moment," Meakes said. 

"We're all just so happy, and we're playing free football, and you can just tell out there that everyone's playing for each other. 

"There's so many little things that we want to improve on every single week. I feel BJ sets us goals and we just want to achieve them for him, but also for the girls beside us."