Maroons star Karina Brown 'has confidence'

Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons star and passionate advocate for young girls pursuing their dreams, Karina Brown, is confident the future for girls and young women is bright.

Brown, alongside ARIA-nominated vocalist Jess Harlen and The Boy of Many Colors, has released dance track "She's got confidence”.

The track, available on all streaming platforms, speaks to female role models and acknowledges the courage it takes to pave the path of opportunity with the lyrics “one by one, we’re getting it done”.

"When I was growing up, all I had was Xena Warrior Princess," Brown said.

"Now, the sky is the limit for girls."

Brown and Harlen were inspired to create the positive track during COVID-19 lockdown and when the 2021 NRLW season was up in the air. Brown said she never thought she would be singing it – just helping with the writing and production.

“The first time behind the mic was not really supposed to happen... Jess is obviously the singer,” Brown said.

“We wanted to add some texture, a background voice, and Jess just said 'can you just get on the mic? We won't use it, it's just for now'… and before you know it, I'm in the track.”

The duo performed live late last year in front and family and friends and have not looked back.

“Before that I went and had some singing lessons so I'd be able to do my part,” Brown said.

“The singing teacher said 'at least you're not tone deaf and can hit the notes... you'll be okay'. It was a really great night. Very enjoyable.”

The 32-year-old, currently training hard with the Gold Coast Titans squad ahead of the first round of NRLW, said she never thought she would have a song out and be playing rugby league at the highest level, all at the same time.

“Growing up, I loved music. Every weekend my three younger sisters and I would perform concerts at the cubby house,” Brown said.

“My poor parents and grandparents, every weekend, would be dragged out to watch us perform…. so I've always been a bit of a performer and loved music, but I didn't think I'd write my own song one day. I just did it for fun with my sisters. 

“Obviously I always wanted to be a rugby league star growing up, but because I was a girl, I couldn't play rugby league, so I certainly didn't think one day I'd be running out for the Gold Coast Titans. It's funny that I was into both of those things growing up, but couldn't dream of doing either. Now, look at me go. It's pretty exciting.

“That's why we wrote the song. Opportunities I didn't have growing up are opportunities now available to young girls.”

Brown said she was hopeful the track would be used by the NRL and Channel 9 in the lead up to the NRL season.

“We just want to get it out there as much as much as possible,” Brown said.

When it comes to her football, Brown said pre-season training had been tough, but she very much enjoyed being in that environment.

“Pre-season is awesome… it’s fun to be back out training with the girls,” Brown said.

“It’s starting to get to the business end and selections will be coming soon for who will run out for the first-ever Titans team. It keeps everything competitive at training as we vie for the first spots.

“I think half the squad are under 21. They've all been playing all through the school system, all through their teenage years. Whereas I didn't start until I was 21. They're unreal... their skillset is so high and they've got a really great read on the game already. They've probably played longer than me, the same as me. It's exciting.”

Harlen said never did she think she would make a “smash hit single with a rugby league player”, but she was stoked to be part of creating an anthem that champions females, in particular, to follow their dreams.

“We’ve got a heap of songs half written.. see how we go with song one,” Brown said.

“We'll keep making music as long as I keep getting these big NRLW contracts. Might be able to make a few more songs now that Queensland have put in equal pay, if I can land myself another gig in Origin this year.”

Watch this space.

To download the song on Apple Music, click here. 

To download the song on Spotify, click here.