Hilisha Samoa

Hilisha is a retired international, national and locally recognised quadruple‑code footy athlete (Rugby League, Rugby Union, American Football & Flag Football), trauma‑informed Youth Worker, JC2033 Ambassador, Author Poet and plus model. With over two decades of experience in Rugby Union, she has represented Australia as a Wallaroo, played for the Queensland Reds in the Super W competition and earned one of rugby union’s highest honours — Australian Rugby Union Wallaroo Player of the Year.

She has also represented Queensland in American Football with the Queensland Sundevils, competed for the Moreton Bay Raptors for club season and played flag football for local Moreton Bay team, Huddle & Hustle. Hilisha has also played Rugby League for South-East Queensland and local club teams West Arana Hills Panthers and Souths Magpies and was invited to train with the Australian Jillaroos as a teenager in 2005 but chose to pursue her Rugby Union career instead. 

Hilisha shares her sporting, parenting, mental‑health journey and weight‑loss transformation with honesty and strength, empowering audiences to embrace resilience, growth and self‑belief. Her sporting, parenting, youth work and cultural background enables her to connect with diverse groups and deliver meaningful, uplifting messages.

Warm, sociable and impactful, Hilisha brings a unique blend of experience in elite international sport, lived experience, advocacy, and authenticity — making her an inspiring choice for events seeking a speaker who motivates and leaves a lasting impression.

Book Hilisha for you next event!