Rising young sports star Koffi Brookfield signed a development contract with St George Illawarra Dragons in May.

“She has been in the state school teams and we see a bright future for her. She’s a young hooker who’s going to play some Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership this year, so we wanted to reward her and get her into our NRLW system as possible,” said Dragon NRLW head coach Jamie Soward in a Dragons’ press release.

Brookfield found out that she’s been signed with the Dragons close to the end of the Steelers Rep season. Soward pulled her aside during one Monday training session and chatted before handing her a piece of paper and asking if she’d like to become a development player for the NRLW 2024 season.

“It was an awesome feeling,” says Brookfield.

“I had trained so hard the previous season in and around the NRLW squad and Sowie. I was prepared and ready for a good season.” 

“Unfortunately, I injured my knee and worked twice as hard physically and mentally to get back to my best during and after my injury. That moment when he handed me the Development Contract made the struggles, frustrations and extra efforts all worth it. It refilled the tank to keep my focus and keep chasing my goal of playing NRLW.”

Photo credit: Koffi Brookfield.

Brookfield got into rugby, thanks to the enthusiasm of the male members of her family.

“I remember playing in the backyard with my brother Jeff, how we would just tackle each other, and how it would be Jeff and I against my dad. I remember just having so much fun.”

She played junior football with the Kiama Junior Knights, which began with the League tag and progressed into the Tackle Rugby League, once it became available for girls to play when Brookfield was 13. She loved it.

“We all had the same interests in playing tackle, and for Kiama,” she says.

She also pursued rugby league through school, having represented South Coast, Greater Southern and NSW CHS at the highest level.

During the last week of May, Koffi joined the Dragons Rookie Camp where her 2024 season with the NRLW team began. There were two things that stood out in particular. “Definitely the mindset and self-confidence by Dan Haesler and female health by Jessica Stoll,” she says.

Close to 23,000 people attended the Women's State of Origin III at Queensland Country Bank Stadium at the end of June. That can be compared with the around 7,000 people who saw the first Women's State of Origin at North Sydney Oval six years ago.

“There’s been a bigger look on women’s games, which is amazing,” Brookfield says. “My experience has been great, as a player you have your highs and lows. I’m definitely thankful for my mum, dad and brother who got me through that. Overall, I don’t think I would change my experience for the world. I’ve loved it and can’t wait for more.”