What’s the Buzz: Who is rugby league’s most influential woman?

HERE are the 10 most influential females in rugby league. We acknowledge them today as part of celebrations for the Women in League round.

Who is the most influential woman in rugby league?

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HERE are the 10 most influential females in rugby league.

We acknowledge them today as part of celebrations for the Women in League round.

Rebecca Frizelle: John Grant wouldn’t have his job as chairman of rugby league’s independent commission if it wasn’t for the courage of one woman. When 15 clubs voted for his removal before Christmas last year, the Titans chair stood up to the most dominant figures in rugby league who have been wheeling and dealing forever. It had nothing to do with the fact the Titans were owned by the NRL but the manner in which old time officials and powerbrokers were behaving. The boss of Queensland’s biggest automobile companies didn’t like it. It is why we have placed Frizelle at the top of the list of the most influential women in rugby league.

Titans Chair Rebecca Frizelle is one of the most influential women in the game.

Yvonne Sampson: The face of the Fox Sports rugby league coverage after being poached from Channel Nine on a big money deal last year. Widely respected in the game as a program host, commentator, interviewer and news journalist.

Catherine Harris: Brings a unique touch and perspective to the independent commission from outside rugby league as the boss of Harris Farm markets and a hugely admired businesswoman who has developed a true love of rugby league. At the forefront of key changes in the game at all levels.

Karyn Murphy: Still regarded as one of the best women players to don the Jillaroos jersey, Karyn is now the chief investigator for the NRL Integrity Unit. She has worked on some of game’s biggest scandals including the Parramatta salary cap investigation and numerous player behaviour issues. She is now feared just as much off the field as she was on the field.

Catherine Harris is widely respected in rugby league circles.

Helen Grant: The wife of ARL Chairman John Grant is so influential that she is commonly referred to as the 9th Commissioner. It is widely known that John rarely makes a big decision without running it past his wife first. When she is not guiding the board or networking with politicians, Helen puts her time and energy back into the game as a board member of the Men of League Foundation.

Catharine Lumby: An NRL gender adviser and a wonderful campaigner in the fight against domestic violence and a the promotion greater respect for women. Sits on advisory boards and is renowned for her powerful and very public stance on the off-field behaviour of footballers.

Katie Page: The boss of Harvey Norman and a former board member of the NRL. Still very much involved as a sponsor, an adviser, and as the driving force behind women’s rugby league and it’s huge promotional boost in recent years.

Footy Show presenter Erin Molan. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Erin Molan: A huge star at Channel Nine on the Footy Show and in the newsroom where she often hosts weekend sports bulletins. Also works on the 2GB Continuous Call team on Saturdays. Has a great feel and knowledge of the game and is a fantastic interviewer.

Ruan Sims: The sister of Ashton, Tariq and Korbin but a rugby league identity in her own right. Captains both the NSW Blues and Australia’s Jillaroos and is fast making her mark in the media as a match commentator for ABC radio.

Raelene Castle: The soon to be departing chief executive of the Canterbury Bulldogs and former boss of New Zealand netball. Has made a huge impression at the Bulldogs working alongside Des Hasler and at times a difficult board. One of the best operators in the game.

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Who is rugby league’s most influential woman?