For a player just 22-years-old, Jamie Chapman has already notched up an impressive career of accolades and highlights.
A three-try star in last year’s NRLW Grand Final, and the NSW women’s Player of the Year in this year’s Origin series, ‘Chappo’ has proven to be a formidable try-scoring weapon.
But the Titans star sees her work off the field representing the club as one of her best achievements, and biggest ongoing goals moving forward.
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Originally from the Sutherland Shire in Sydney, Chapman moved to QLD with her dad four years ago where the footy opportunities opened up, as well as the chance to further her passionate work off the field.
“It’s a job I would do for free, I love it so much. I have always been very passionate about working in the community, I have always wanted to help others. Once I moved up here I found the whole Northern Rivers community to be amazing, they really welcomed me and I have that sense of belonging where I feel part of the Tweed community.”
The Titans have thrown their support behind Chapman’s off-field passion, in a move beneficial for everyone involved.
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“I was already doing disability support work when I started with the Titans, and I wanted a more full-time role, so I asked the club if they had a role for me in the community space and they were able to work something out. I am so thankful to the club for the full time opportunity, I think this club is amazing in leading the way for the game in this area.”
Chapman has already seen the connection between the off-field work and the fan engagement and growing support for the team.
“I think this last year especially the women’s game has grown so fast, and seeing people you have worked with turn up at the games is fantastic. Some will ask ‘ Do you remember me? You came to our school. I love that reaction when we play.”
With so many NRLW athletes balancing careers outside the game, along with the training and discipline needed to be an elite athlete, ‘Chappo’ considers herself lucky.
“It’s such a diverse team in what we do. (Teammate) Lauren Brown for example working as a firefighter, she is amazing. She goes to work does night shift, then comes to training, I don’t know how she does it. Absolute wonder woman. We also have school teachers, and women looking after families.”
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It’s been a whirlwind year for Chapman, starring in a historic Origin for the women’s game, but ultimately falling short of the series win, as well as battling a hamstring injury as the Gold Coast Titans fight to get back in finals contention in a hotly contested NRLW season.
‘The hamstring has been a niggling one since Origin, which hopefully with a rest will be fine for me to come back in the next few games.’
“Being awarded The NSW player of the year was something I was not expecting at all, and although we didn’t get the series win, I’m so grateful for it all. I think we had a win for women’s sport this origin series, making history with record views and record crowds, it was a win for the women’s game.”
The Blues notched up a Game One win in front of a record women’s game attendance at Suncorp, with Chapman stealing the show with a runaway try, proving too elusive for Maroons fullback Tamika Upton;
“The roar of the crowd was incredible, and something I have never experienced before. It’s such an honour to put on the Blues jersey, and that moment was definitely right up there for me.”
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“I think the level of footy across the board has taken another step forward this year. The Origin series started the women’s season off on the right foot.”
Speaking to Lara Pitt and the NRLW on Fox team this season, Jamie took the Fox League crew along with her as she conducting training camps and sessions with kids with specials needs, as well as chatting to her number one fan, and new recruit among the Titans support crew, Brooke.
“Brooke absolutely loved being on the show, it was great to have her with me. She runs the joint now!’
While Chapman’s ultimate footy career goal remains holding the Premiership trophy with her beloved Titans team, the support work off the field will always feature heavily;
“Winning a Grand Final with this team and coach would be the ultimate on the field. Beyond that, my personal aim would be to start a foundation within the community to help young kids, get them involved in team sport playing footy where they feel supported and have role models to look up to.”
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