She’s the hometown girl who dreamed of becoming a rugby league player and now Newcastle enforcer Caitlan Johnston is ready to launch her 2022 campaign in front of her Knights faithful.
While the story of uprooting lives, moving across seas and states is a regular tale in the NRLW competition – for Johnston – the game has arrived on her doorstep.
With the 21-year-old’s 2021 NRLW campaign ending prematurely with an elbow injury, if her stirring Origin debut is anything to go off - the tough middle forward will be expected to make a big impact for the Knights in their second NRLW campaign.
“We have such a big support system in Newcastle and to play Broncos at home in Round 1 after our first and reserve grade boys, it’s going to be amazing,” Johnston told NRL.com.
“Being born and bred in Newcastle, the jersey is something I hold very close to my heart and being able to put that red and blue jersey on, I couldn’t be more grateful.
“They’re very supportive of the women’s game - when we hosted the triple header in Round 1 last season it was amazing to see our fans and community all get around us even though we didn’t win.”
Along with the loyal Newcastle fans, many of Johnston’s proud family will be at McDonald Jones Stadium for the club double-header to watch their barnstorming forward.
“I have four sisters and two brothers and then a lot of extended family in Newcastle and they’ve been a huge support in my footy,” she said.
“My father played a bit of rugby league locally and my uncles all grew up playing it so we’re a rugby league family through and through.
“Being a local and having my family there on Sunday I know that I’ll have to lead from the front and show some of the new girls what it means to play for your community.”
Born and bred in Belmont, the NRLW season opener between the Broncos and Knights has been circled on the proud Novocastrian's calendar since the draw was released, particularly after her elbow injury cut short her first season.
Some strong performances for the club's Harvey Norman NSW Premiership side earned her a call-up in the NSW team between NRLW seasons, where she returned to form.
“I only played one game so I can’t wait to get into it, this year I would just love to finish a season in the Newcastle jersey,” she said.
“I still can’t really fathom Origin, when we walked out and lined up for the anthem it was just a feeling I hadn’t experienced before. But I knew I just wanted to get in and get my job done.
“Kylie (Hilder) spoke to me before the game and she said she wanted me to do a job and as a forward when I got the ball my job was to run straight and hard.
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"I’ve had a lot of people ask me about where I learnt my playing style since Origin but I honestly couldn’t tell you.
"I started playing with the boys when I was younger and I got a bit roughed around and I think I’ve just played as hard and as tough as I could.
“I’m only 21 and for me I think I’ve sort of built my own legacy in my own career at the moment.
“Some days I sit back and really reflect on where I am. My own expectations of myself are high but I feel like I’m in control.”
The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off on Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets