After growing up with Darren Lockyer as her idol, Karina Brown is proud that young girls now want to be like her or another of the game’s female stars.
A modern-day pioneer of women’s rugby league, Brown played her final NRLW match against the Raiders at CommBank Stadium - but the former Jillaroos star’s legacy lives on.
Battling a severe calf injury that has sidelined her for most of the season, nothing would stop Brown taking the field one last time for her beloved Gold Coast Titans.
Although the Tians fell short of the win she was desperately seeking before finishing her illustrious career, Brown was farewelled in style as rival Gold Coast and Parramatta players came together to honour her with a haka.
A special haka for NRLW stalwart Karina Brown
“I love rugby league. I’m really passionate about it,” Brown said.
“I know my playing days are over, but I just don’t think my contribution to the game is over at all. I’m not sure where it will take me but I’m open to any opportunity.
“Wherever else I can continue to create pathways for the game or help develop the game, I’m going to be there and put my hand up to do that.”
The 35-year-old was a member of the 2013, 2017 and 2022 World Cup winning Australian teams, captained Queensland and played 32 NRLW matches for Sydney Roosters, the Warriors and Titans.
Jillaroos World Cup Masterclass: Karina Brown
However, Brown’s contribution to the game is far more extensive, as she helped found women’s teams at Burleigh Bears and Brisbane Tigers.
Brown also won the 2021 Veronica White Medal in recognition of her efforts to inspire and mentor young female athletes.
“I’m so fortunate to be able to have experienced the game in its infancy and to see where it is now, and we are only really getting started,” she said.
“We still have to get all the teams involved for each club and then send it to a full-time position. But it is just incredible to see how far it’s come and just so many opportunities and all the young girls that play now.
“I think they have got competitions all the way through from under 12s, maybe even under 10s now, which is great. That was my dream as a 10 or 12-year-old girl just wishing I could play rugby league.
“It’s really inspiring and I’m just so proud to have played a small part in a great history.”
A League of Her Own premiere: Karina Brown
Born in Warragul, Brown moved to Gold Coast with her family and fell in love with rugby league from an early age, thanks in part to Lockyer, the former Broncos, Kangaroos and Maroons great.
“My dad was an AFL boy, obviously from Melbourne, so he taught me how to kick the ball at a young age, and I moved to the Gold Coast at an early age,” she said.
“I started watching rugby league and I fell in love with Darren Lockyer, and just how humble he is and how smart he is on the field.
“I just used to always wish I was a boy so I could play football. I played one year with the boys in under 12s and then there were no pathways again. When I turned 21, I found the game and I just haven’t looked back."
Such is Brown's standing in the game, she became Gold Coast's first signing after the Titans were admitted to the NRLW in 2021 - earning a place in the club's history alongside Preston Campbell.
“To have the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW with a clear pathway is just phenomenal, and to be No.1 alongside Preston Campbell, an absolute great of the game, is such an honour," Brown said.
"I just love everything this club stands for, it’s about uniting our communities and making them proud, and playing with passion.
"I know we haven’t quite had the season that we had last year but there is a lot of ticker in this club and we are going to get a premiership one day.”
