Rugby League
Karina Brown
Captain of the first official Women’s State of Origin, dual World Cup winner and now an ABC Sport commentator — a pioneer whose credibility opens doors in women’s sport, inclusion and media.
Captain of the first official Women’s State of Origin, dual World Cup winner and now an ABC Sport commentator — a pioneer whose credibility opens doors in women’s sport, inclusion and media.
Karina suits briefs where credibility matters more than volume: women in sport, inclusion, leadership and grassroots development.
Her record is foundational — two World Cups with the Jillaroos, captain of Queensland in the first official Women’s State of Origin, the Gold Coast Titans’ first-ever NRLW signing, and founder of two club programs that fed the elite pathway. She now holds a national platform as part of ABC Sport’s NRL commentary team, and her 2018 Origin moment remains one of Australian sport’s most significant statements on inclusion. For federations, government programs and brands investing in women’s sport, she offers first-person authority no campaign can manufacture.
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Karina Brown is a former Queensland captain, Australian representative and two-time World Cup winner whose playing career spanned 14 seasons at the top of women’s rugby league.
In September 2024, Karina retired from the NRLW, closing one of the most distinguished careers in the sport — and stepped straight into broadcast, joining ABC Sport as an expert commentator and sideline reporter. She remains part of the ABC’s NRL commentary team in 2026.
A fullback and winger renowned for her blistering pace and motivational leadership, Karina founded the Burleigh Bears women’s team in 2012 and went on to play for the Sydney Roosters in the inaugural NRLW season, starting at fullback in the 2018 Grand Final. In 2021 she became the Gold Coast Titans’ first-ever NRLW signing — Titan #1 — and finished with 32 NRLW games across three clubs.
Karina represented Australia in 11 Tests, winning World Cups with the Jillaroos in 2013 and 2017, and was part of the Jillaroos’ gold-medal squad at the 2018 Commonwealth Championship. She captained Queensland in the first official Women’s State of Origin in 2018, represented her state from 2010 to 2021, and captained the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII in 2019.
Off the field, Karina is a prominent advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport. The Gold Coast’s junior “Karina Brown Challenge” competition now carries her name, and in 2021 she was awarded the NRL’s Veronica White Medal for her work developing young female athletes.
ABC Sport NRL commentary team
Retired after 14 seasons — farewelled with a joint Titans–Eels haka in her final match · “Karina Brown Challenge” junior girls’ competition named in her honour
Veronica White Medal for mentoring young female athletes · Gold Coast Titans’ first-ever NRLW signing · QRL Women’s Premiership winner
Women’s State of Origin series wins with Queensland
Captained the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII
Captained Queensland in the first official Women’s State of Origin, scoring both Queensland tries · started at fullback in the inaugural NRLW Grand Final for the Sydney Roosters · Jillaroos gold at the Commonwealth Championship
World Cup winner with the Jillaroos
World Cup winner · Test debut
Founded the Burleigh Bears women’s team — club premierships followed in 2015 and 2016
Queensland debut
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Karina speaks on women in sport, inclusion and leading change — first-person authority from two World Cups, Origin captaincy and building the women’s game from the ground up.
From founding club teams to NRLW Titan #1.
The 2018 Origin moment and what changed after it.
Building the women’s game from the ground up, twice.
Formats: conference keynote · panels & Q&A · school and sporting-org programs · brand events and appearances
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