NRLW veteran Steph Hancock’s excitement for next gen of women’s league talent

Steph Hancock has built a reputation as one of the most respected players in the women’s game. 20 hour days are commonplace for the Killarney-born veteran as she looks to guide the Gold Coast Titans to an NRLW grand final appearance.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Steph Hancock isn’t dirty the women’s game is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves.

She’s proud to have done her part in paving the way for the next generation of young women to move closer to turning league into a career.

“I honestly count my lucky stars,” she said.

“To be able to experience the early days through to playing and being a part of what’s happening now is amazing.

“I get asked if I’m dirty because everyone is starting to get more money and there’s more teams coming in.

“I don’t get dirty at all. I’m honoured that I got to play with older players that helped build the path to where we are now.

“I love that this is all happening. I hope in the future rugby league is the most played sport by females in Australia.”

Stephanie Hancock (left). Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The recent announcement of increased pay for female players is a step in the right direction according to Hancock, who knows full well the toll combining full-time work as a police officer and football can take.

“That’s the ultimate goal (getting paid as professionals),” she said.

“Currently I’m doing full-time shift work. I go to training Monday, Tuesday and Thursday then we’ve been travelling to Sydney (for games).

“With the price of fuel it costs you a fortune to drive up and down the highway.

“I‘m out of bed at 4am, drive down the M1 to start work at 5.45am, finish at 2pm and get straight into training. I’m usually home at 9.30pm and try to get into bed by midnight.

“I’m grateful to get four hours of sleep.

Queensland police officer and NRLW Gold Coast Titans player Steph Hancock. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“(Professional pay) would make a huge difference. The standard of football with players not having to work for eight hours before training, imagine what it could be like.”

The Gold Coast Titans front rower is the most experienced player in the NRLW competition, with the 40-year-old shelving retirement plans to be part of the league’s newest franchise.

“I struggled last year being away from footy because it’s been such a massive part of my life,” she said.

“Origin was the only game I went to last year. I’m content with Origin retirement, but I missed the off-field stuff.

“The camaraderie with teammates, hanging out with your besties. I love getting down to Titans training in the arvo and having fun with my mates.

“I’ve loved this season.”

It’s why she’s hoping there’s more life in the Gold Coast campaign yet, as they face a do or die semi final against St George Illawarra this weekend.

“Everything is starting to come together,” she said.

“You need to remember players like Hailee-Jay (Maunsell) was playing her third ever game of senior football.

“What pumps my tires up is she made a mistake, then made up for it. They’re willing to learn and do whatever it takes.

“We’d love to play the Broncos at home in Queensland (in the grand final). That would be something special.

“But it’s all a dream at the moment, we have to beat the Dragons first who are a tough side.”

Hancock has always been proud of her country roots, hailing from Killarney on the Southern Downs.

She takes pride that young girls in the region look up to her and fellow Downs players as inspiration to pursue their football dreams.

“I love that country kids, especially girls, can see myself, and now Shenae (Ciesiolka) and little Jada (Ferguson) can play women’s football from an early age,” she said.

“It makes me very happy that kids can now dream of playing women’s league in the NRLW.”

Originally published as NRLW veteran Steph Hancock’s excitement for next gen of women’s league talent