QMC Podcast – Episode 2: The Highlanders Story with Niccy Muller

9 Mar

Episode 2 of the QMC Podcast dives into the powerful story behind the creation of the Highlanders, a team built to open doors for Indigenous women in rugby league.

In this episode, the conversation begins with reflections on Country — from Bluff on in Central Queensland — and the deep cultural ties that shape identity, community, and sport.

From there, the story unfolds.

Growing up in a small country town where opportunities for women’s rugby league were limited, the vision for the Highlanders was born from a simple but powerful belief: the bush holds some of the rawest and rarest talent, but those players are often overlooked.

Rather than waiting for opportunity, it was created.

The Highlanders were formed to showcase Indigenous female athletes from regional communities — bringing together players from Central Queensland, Rockhampton, and Darwin — many of whom had never been given a true pathway into rugby league.

Some were only 17 years old when they first stepped onto the field.
Others had spent years playing other codes like touch because league pathways didn’t exist for them.

But together, they built something special.

This episode explores:

• The cultural foundations that shaped the Highlanders
• Why regional and Indigenous talent deserves greater recognition
• The early days of women’s rugby league pathways
• The importance of Indigenous women supporting one another in sport
• How creating opportunity can change the future for the next generation

What started as an idea to prove a point became a platform for talent, pride, and representation.

This is a story about community, culture, and creating pathways where none existed before.

Listen to Episode 2 of the QMC Podcast, streaming on the IN SPORT App.

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