Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues front rower Caitlan Johnston might just have the most committed parents in the NRLW.
As the 21-year-old prepared for the Newcastle Knights’ game against Parramatta Eels at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday – Father’s Day - she reflected on the level of support her mum Rebecca and dad Donovan bring.
“He was over last night and said, ‘After you’re in the huddle during the game, can you come over and give me a cuddle’ and I said, ‘I’ll never be doing that’,” Johnston said.
“But he’s my number one supporter – he and mum. They drove to the Gold Coast last week (for Titans game) so they’re very dedicated.
“They also drove from here (Newcastle) to Townsville when I played up there (Indigenous All Stars). They’d do anything for Rugby League.”
Meeting the Eels for the first time since the Round One loss (13-12) at CommBank Stadium in February during the postponed 2021 season, brings back memories.
“It’s not so much pressure but obviously I was injured (elbow) last year playing against them so there’s a bit of redemption coming,” Johnston said.
“I don’t want to lose to them again and having that injury was a big toll on me.
“They’ve got a big forward pack but nothing our team can’t handle”.
Two of those are fellow props Millie Boyle and Tayla Predebon. The trio make up a formidable combination rotating through the front row.
“To have Tayla and Millie there next to me is something I really like,” she said.
“I know that I can trust them. Tayla puts those big hits on and Millie does all those one-percenters she’s such a hard worker.
The grade three tear in her elbow ligaments kept Johnston out for the rest of the NRLW season. She returned in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership for the Central Coast Roosters with her ‘get-out-of-my-way’ runs up the middle which caught the eye of Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder.
“I was unfortunately put out at the start of the season… so to take the field in Origin was something special,” Johnston said of her time off the bench in the 20-14 win over the Maroons at Canberra’s GIO Stadium (her Mum and Dad drove down for that one too).
“To wear the Knights jersey again was something else I really looked forward to. I’ve loved the last two games and can’t wait to rip in again.”
The ‘ripping in’ is exactly what fans and her teammates love about Johnston with centre Shanice Parker labelling her the best prop in the game.
“I saw that – not sure how I feel about it,” Johnston said.
“I’m still very young and got things to learn as a female athlete.”
When she started, she played alongside former Jillaroos Ruan Sims at the Roosters and Rebecca Young who are now both retired.
“I’ve been around some knowledge and I’ve definitely soaked that up,” Johnston said.
“I want to lay the platform here at the Knights and it’s something I don’t take for granted.”
