Every student begins a degree with the goal of graduating, just like every footy player starts a season with dreams of making finals. This year Georgia Grey achieved both.
The Bond Bachelor of Sports Management graduate threw her cap in celebration this week and plans to enjoy the moment with family and friends before embarking on a third pre-season with the Gold Coast Titans NRLW team.
But if you asked Grey when she first made the move to Bond if this is how she thought her journey would unfold, her answer would probably be no.
When Grey, the daughter of Wallaby Nathan Grey, made the move north from the beaches of Sydney in 2022, she was a fresh-eyed 19-year-old who had her sights set on carrying on the family legacy in rugby union.
But in 2024, doubts about rugby 7s led her to switch codes to league with the Gold Coast side.
“I never thought I'd have this opportunity, especially with the Titans,” Grey said.
“It was just me finding enjoyment again in sport – I wasn’t really loving play rugby 7s at that point.
“I was back and forth from Brisbane all the time.
“In the end it was just me having the courage to speak up and say I’m not enjoying this anymore. I then reached out to a couple of people to see what the possibilities were.”
Grey featured in 10 of the Titans’ 11 games this season, steadily climbing the ranks. She particularly impressed when the Titans beat the Dragons in Round 8, when she scored a hat-trick of tries.
“It was a bit of an up and down season for us. We probably had a bit of a tough start,” Grey said.
“We got unlucky with injuries to a few key players which did set us back a bit.
“But to be in the position we were in at the end of the season, I think that’s something we are really proud of.”
The Titans finished in sixth position at the completion of the home and away season, advancing them to the finals.
“It was pretty special to play in the finals, I think it’s always exciting,” Grey said.
“For me personally, it’s a lot more pressure and a lot more nerves. It becomes a do or die situation.”
Grey had the opportunity to play centre at the start of the 2025 season before a teammate’s injury forced a move back to her normal position of wing.
“In 2026 my goal is to play every game of the season and to be up for selection for every game.”
Away from the field, the 22-year-old is enjoying a well-deserved break back home on Sydney’sNorthern Beaches before returning to the Gold Coast for pre-season.
“At the moment I’m kind of just enjoying the off-season. This is probably the first time since before starting university that I’ve actually been able to have a proper break,” Grey said.
“I’m not exactly sure what I want to do with the Sport Management degree yet – there are so many different paths I can go anywhere with it, especially with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon.”
Grey credits Bond University for helping her balance study and sport.
“I think being able to go to Bond has been one of the biggest positives I’ve taken on. The university is so great in supporting athletes with their studies,” she said.
“I was never alone, I had the support around me to manage a degree and be professional in my sport.
“I don’t know many other unis where it would have been possible to have that level of support.”
And while her career at the top level is flourishing, she hasn't forgotten her roots at the Bond Rugby Club.
“I will always have a soft spot for the rugby club,” Grey said.
“I played the last three seasons of the Caslick Cup at Bond and have made friends for life at the rugby club.
“I still keep in contact with Lawrence Faifua and all the ‘uncles’.”