'It still hurts:' Jaime using 2023 heartbreak as fuel for historic charge

Jamie Chapman has never forgotten the heartbreak of the 2023 NRLW grand final.

The Titans centre scored a hat-trick and busted 14 tackles in a starring performance against the Knights at Accor Stadium but it wasn't enough to deliver Gold Coast its first ever premiership, with Newcastle claiming a 24-18 victory.

Three years on, Chapman is using that defeat as motivation as the Titans chase a place in another grand final and the chance to make history as the first Gold Coast team to win an NRL or NRLW premiership.

“Making the grand final in 2023 for the Gold Coast Titans was a very special moment in my career,” Chapman said.

“I’m excited to go one better this year. It definitely still hurts, and I still think about that one try. We could’ve won the grand final and won the gold for the Gold Coast and been the first team to ever do it.

“I’m hoping we can do that this year.”

Chapman is one of seven members of the 2023 grand final team set to face the Broncos on Sunday but she says there's a different vibe this time around.

“It has a similar feeling to 2023, but it’s a stronger connection this year,” she said.

“I think we have all bought in and we are super-connected off the field, and it’s transferring onto the field.”

Chapman’s competitive edge has been a defining feature of her career, which has included 11 Origin games for NSW and five Jillaroos caps.

The 24-year-old has represented NSW 11 times and Australia on five occasions, while scoring nine tries this season, including four in a single match against the Bulldogs.

Across her 46-game NRLW career, Chapman has crossed the line 30 times, including four in a single match against the Bulldogs in Round 2.

“I have always been a competitive person and wanted to be the best but it’s just built in me,” she said.

Away from the field, Chapman has become equally committed to making an impact in her community.

She is a finalist for the 2026 Veronica White Medal, recognising her work in the community, an honour she credits to the support of the Gold Coast club.

“I wouldn’t be getting nominated for this award without the team I have behind me at the Titans, the community team and all the way to the top,” Chapman said.

“They love the community and we all perform to impress our community and bring everyone together.

“Hopefully we can get everyone together in this semi-final. I’m super grateful to be a finalist.”

Chapman’s work extends to supporting young people, particularly Indigenous youth, and using her position as an NRLW player to show what is possible.

“Football brings people together. Football gives something to live for. It’s more than just a game for me,” she said.

“For me, it was being there for people when they needed it. There’s been a few times when mental health has creeped into people’s lives.

“Hopefully I can help guide them out of that time in their life or do my best.”

Chapman is passionate about being a role model for the next generation and hopes to inspire young people to pursue their own goals.

“I’m always there for my community,” she said.

“I love being able to be that role model for Indigenous young people and people in the community, just showing everyone that we can make it far.

“There are really strong Indigenous athletes in the community that kids can look up to, and hopefully I’m one of them.

“Rugby league has given me so many opportunities and I’m super grateful to be living the life I am today.

“I definitely wouldn’t be standing here right now if I didn’t have rugby league.

“You don’t always get back what you give in return, but it’ll always be who you are and how you will be remembered, and that’s what sticks with me.”