For Brisbane Broncos rookie Rhemy Hinckesman, her first season in the NRLW has been a whirlwind, after first taking up the sport in 2023.
A talented touch player, she took up the game at the suggestion of her housemate at the time, Broncos back Hayley Maddick, lacing up the boots for Kawana Dolphins.
That soon lead to a BMD Premiership debut for the Sunshine Coast Falcons the following year, before enjoying a breakout 2025 season where she was named Lock of the Year in the competition’s end-of-season Team of the Year.
In a twist of timing, Maddick is missing playing with Hinckesman in her debut season at the club, taking the year off to have a baby, which facilitated the forward’s elevation to the Top 24 squad.
“I started playing because I was living with Hayley Maddick at the time, so she actually made me play a game,” Hinckesman said.
“I played that first game, the full game at lock, so never looked back since.
“That was 2023 … loved it, that was for Kawana Dolphins.
“(Previously) I played a lot of touch, I played all levels.
“That's where I actually met Hayley.
“(After my first league game I realised) I actually really liked the contact.”
Now finding her feet as a number of fresh faces including Caitlin Urwin and Georgia Bartlett in the Broncos side who lost a number of premiership-winning stars in the off-season, Hinckesman said she was enjoying the opportunity perfect her skills.
“I think that's the cool thing about Broncs is we've got so much depth in the squad and Princey [coach Scott Prince] does really well with giving reps to everyone at training,” Hinckesman said.
“We've probably run through the moves 50,000 times.
“I've always said I haven't really gotten that nervous for these games and I feel that it's because we've done so many reps.
“Princey's really good with getting us like that.”
Gearing up to take part in her first NRLW Magic Round when the Broncos take on the improving Bulldogs who are out to claim a big upset, Hinckesman said she was excited to be part of the atmosphere at Wagga Wagga.
“I've been to a couple of the Magic Rounds for the boys and I think the atmosphere is going to be really cool to have, so I'm really keen for the trip,” Hinckesman said of taking the event regional.
“It's always cool to give back to the community … I always love that sort of thing.”
Match: Bulldogs v Broncos
Round 5 -
home Team
Bulldogs
7th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: Geohex Park, Wagga Wagga
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
