RAYMOND Terrace’s Olivia Higgins produced a rugby league masterclass in last weekend’s inaugural NRLW Magic Round at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Newcastle Knights international hooker turned in a crafty performance in the number nine jumper to help steer her side to an 18-0 victory over Canberra in atrocious conditions last Sunday.
It was the Knights’ fourth successive win from five games with Higgins and classy playmaker Jesse Southwell proving the architects during a Magic Round marred by heavy rain, lightning, chilly winds and thunder.
Both the Knights and Raiders created NRLW history after figuring in a scoreless first stanza before the talented Southwell sparked a second half onslaught with her skilful kicking game and deft passing.
Higgins topped the tackle count for the Knights with 30 and provided slick service from dummy half as the home side rediscovered their groove in the muddy conditions after the interval.
Newcastle jumped to a 12-0 lead after Southwell laid on tries for winger Sheridan Gallagher and prop forward Tiana Davison and booted two conversions.
The wily Higgins sealed the victory when she fooled the Raiders defence and scooted 20m to score Newcastle’s third try and cap a standout performance.
Ben Jeffries’ third placed Knights return to McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday to host the struggling Wests Tigers at 3.15pm.
By Chris KARAS
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