The Norths Devils are proud to announce Grace Griffin will coach our Ironforge Security U17 Women’s team.
Grace, who was part of the Devils’ inaugural 2023 QRLW team and etched in club history as Devil #9, will help shape the next generation of female rugby league talent. Her experience as a player and her strong connection to the club make her an ideal mentor for our young Devils coming through the system.
Grace brings a wealth of experience as both a player and leader. Her journey from touch football to rugby league, culminating in her rise towards the NRLW, has positioned her perfectly to guide the young Devils coming through the system.
Grace’s new role reflects her passion for nurturing the next generation of stars.
“Growing up, girls didn’t have the same opportunities to play rugby league that they have now,” Grace said.
“To be in a position where I can help create pathways for them is something I’m really passionate about. It’s about more than just teaching skills; it’s about creating opportunities for these young girls to thrive in a game they love.”
Grace credits parts of her rugby league journey to Australian and Queensland representative Ali Brigginshaw, who served as a key mentor in her early career. The two formed a powerful halves partnership at the Ipswich Brothers and later at the Valleys Diehards in the early iterations of the QRL competition. Under the guidance of Valleys Diehards coach Scott Prince, Grace played a pivotal role in getting to the 2021 BHP Premiership grand final.
Drawing on her wealth of experience, Grace’s coaching philosophy focuses on fundamentals and simplicity.
“Regardless of what you’ve achieved or where you’ve come from, you’re never bigger than the game,” she said. “You have to master the basics. I’ll be focusing on keeping things simple because, at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.”
For the Devils, Griffin’s appointment highlights the strength of our programs and the importance of retaining strong ties with former players. Her leadership and passion for the game will be crucial in shaping the U17 girls’ journey as they aim to make their mark in the sport.
We are thrilled to have Grace back at the Devils in this coaching role and look forward to watching her team grow under her guidance.
“I just want girls to have a crack. Rugby league has opened so many doors for me, and I’ve been able to experience so much because of the game. Every job I’ve had since high school has been because of a connection through rugby league,” she said.
To trial for our U17’s Women’s team please nominate yourself through the following link: https://forms.gle/3XBYwetDgK4gFayx9
Please fill out the correct details on your nomination forms.
Nominations close COB Sunday Oct 6.
