Karina Brown has spent a lot of time on the field across an illustrious career in women’s rugby league, but a new venture into the world of commentary has her close to the action on the opposite side of the white stripe.
Before preparing for another big NRLW season ahead with the Titans, the veteran winger has joined ABC Sport as an expert commentator, debuting in Round 3 when the Warriors faced the Raiders, before flying solo as the sideline reporter for the Titans' clash against the Dolphins a week later.
"I’ve been talking to ABC probably for the last 10 years, ever since I started playing State of Origin... when it was called the Interstate Challenge," Brown told titans.com.au.
"They’ve (ABC) always got me onto talk about Origin and footy. They must’ve heard that I’m nearing the end of my career and thought that I might like to try some commentary.
"They wanted me to cover NRLW games, but I’m signed for another year at the Titans, so they said why don’t you try some men’s games and see if you enjoy it.
"I've committed to six games. If I don’t like it after six, at least I can say that I gave it a good try. I’m three games in now and I’m starting to get into the swing of things.
"I’m enjoying it, dare I say it."
As a natural in front of the camera having spent over a decade as a professional player, Brown admitted that media wasn’t always something that she’s enjoyed throughout her playing career.
“It’s funny because I don’t like doing media, I’ve never really enjoyed it," she said.
"Everyone said that I’m not too bad at it, so I thought, you know what, I’ll just give it a crack."
After a trial run in the opening rounds of the season, the 35-year-old took the training wheels off in Round 4 at her home ground, Cbus Super Stadium.
"That was my first game by myself," Brown said.
"It was cool to be that close to the action and not be on the field (playing).
"Obviously, it felt like home to me, being at my home ground. It was a nice feeling to have people around me that support me and want me to do well.
"It made me feel at ease I guess."
It was a different feeling post-match, on the other end of the microphone interviewing players after the game had concluded.
II spoke to Tanah and JC plus a couple of Dolphins boys. It’s harder than I thought," Brown said.
"I had good questions for the first couple of interviews, but by the time I got to JC, I was panicking. I had used all my good questions and was running out of ideas.
"So, I probably have a little bit to work on, but it was my first game (by myself)."
In the twilight of her playing career, commentary is something Brown feels she wants to continue to pursue post career - even getting the opportunity to be back involved with Origin so soon.
"I’ve found my groove, so I'm definitely interested (to continue)," she said.
"Obviously, I know the girls game quite well, the ins and outs of most of the players.
“I’m excited because I get to do the Origin call for Game I at Suncorp, so I’ll be onto Vani (Pelite) and a couple of the girls to make sure they do interviews with me at the end of the match.
"They wanted me to do Origin two and three. I've got to talk to Murph and see if I can get training off," Brown joked.
