Sport
27 May, 2025
From Caboolture roots to Knights glory for Grace
Former Caboolture Snakes centre, Grace Giampino, has been signed by the Newcastle Knights as a NRLW development squad player.
Grace played for the Caboolture club from Under 13s and went on to play in the Open Women’s team for two years, debuting at just 17 years of age.
A Newcastle Knights spokesperson said Grace experienced a "mountain of emotions" when she first signed with the club.
“Grace stated that she was excited but also a little bit nervous about the unknown when coming into an NRLW pathway,” the spokesperson said.
Grace impressed during the 2024 Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership with her ball-carrying ability and defensive intent.
“Grace will bring her character firstly but also an unknown component, being that Grace is a power athlete,” the spokesperson continued. “Within teams, you need a mixture of speed, power and endurance — which Grace possesses and will continue to evolve in our NRLW pathway.”
As part of her contract, Grace will compete in the 2025 Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership with the Knights. Depending on her performance, she could be selected for the Knights’ top 24 NRLW squad in 2026.
Caboolture Snakes senior president, Natasha Field, praised Grace’s growth and dedication.
“As a club, we are extremely proud of her accomplishments, her dedication and determination to her profession,” she said. “She is driven and talented, and it’s amazing to see her hard work coming to fruition.”
Snakes coach, Ray Totoro, who coached Grace in Under 16 and Under 17, said her talent was clear from the start.
“Grace was my team captain, and she is a great leader, a terrific defender and attacker. She runs that hard line very well,” he said. “I believe the club saw her potential early on — I certainly did when I was her coach.”
This is not Grace’s first time with a NRLW club. In 2024, she debuted for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s competition.
