Johnston-Green ready to carve legacy as NRLW supermum
As a soon-to-be mum already planning her return to the field, this year's Women in League Round carries added significance for NRLW superstar Caitlan Johnston-Green.
The round, which celebrates the contributions of women across all facets of the game – from players, staff and volunteers to parents, partners and fans – has provided Johnston-Green with a timely reminder of the opportunity to carve out an important legacy.
The all-conquering front-rower is ready to take on the exciting challenge of motherhood, with her first child – a daughter – expected to arrive in less than three weeks.
Johnston-Green, who joined the Sharks this season on a three-year deal after winning two titles at the Knights and representing NSW and Australia, is taking inspiration from other players who have returned to the top after having kids.
Her Cronulla teammate Nakia Davis-Welsh is one such example.
"Seeing all the mums in our game that have had one or two babies and returned, it's an incredible thing to see what female bodies are capable of doing around such an impactful sport that we play," Johnston-Green said.
"Pregnancy has given me that sense of purpose with my career. At the age of 24, I've completed every level in the women's game. To me, it's kind of a blessing because it gives me another purpose to return to footy and find that passion and love again for it.
"Having a little daughter being able to come and watch games is going to be pretty cool. And to do it at the Sharks is even cooler."
While not getting ahead of herself, the proud Indigenous woman is dreaming of an NRLW comeback against Newcastle at Sharks Stadium. Johnston-Green hasn't played since last August, with a knee injury curtailing her 2024 campaign.
"I'm just taking it as it comes, but my biggest thing is pushing for Round 9 to play the Knights at home," the World Cup winner said.
"Beating my old team at our own home ground would be a great feeling.
"After listening to medical advice, the protocols are about three to four months until you can fully return. It gives me more excitement to really work on myself as a person as well.
"Different challenges are going to come along – juggling being a full-time mum and trying to be a full-time athlete is probably going to be one of the biggest struggles – but I think I'll definitely be able to do that with the support I have.
"It's given me another sense of hope that as females we can change the game."
Johnston-Green paid tribute to the Sharks, Knights and her partner for the assistance they've offered throughout her pregnancy journey.
To leave such a legacy here with Women in League Round in our game is pretty significant
Caitlan Johnston-Green
As a valued member of the Sharks Have Heart community team, Johnston-Green has experienced rugby league from multiple angles. Immersing herself in the Sutherland Shire over the past few months has opened her eyes to her influence beyond the field.
"As players, sometimes we don't really look at things like that. We put a blind side to it and our sole goal is to play football," Johnston-Green explained.
"We don't really realise how much of an impact we have in the community … About to become a mother myself, it's quite special to even be seen as a role model."
For Johnston-Green, Women in League Round is a vital part of the league calendar.
"To leave such a legacy here with Women in League Round in our game is pretty significant. It shows that it's not just males that can take it on, it's also females," she said.
"It's such an awesome thing to represent, knowing that as wives, partners, mums and grandmas, that's kind of the recognition they get. It's pretty cool."
As for her impending bundle of joy, Johnston-Green has her fingers crossed that she'll follow in her footsteps and pick up an oval ball.
"Hopefully it's another little footy head on the way!"
