This Women in League is a chance to celebrate where the players are now
WOMEN in League Round is always a chance to recognise those working behind the scenes, but this year is surely about how far the players have come. Swoop’s column for Big League magazine
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WOMEN in League round is a chance for the game to celebrate the different roles females have in the game.
This year is a bit different though.
There will still be the nod to volunteers, the mothers, players’ wives, officials and administrators, sponsors, even a few in the media.
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The official theme is ‘Developing, nurturing and celebrating pathways for women and girls in the game.’
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In 2018, the playing schedule has been jam packed. State leagues, the National Championship, State of Origin have been played out the past few months.
We have seen more of our female players than ever before, so this Women in League round is surely about them.
So we asked a few of them what this round means to them. Not surprisingly, they didn’t spruik about themselves, but this is what they said...
CHELSEA BAKER - Broncos
We get the opportunity to thank and appreciate every woman who is a part of this amazing game. From the mums, aunties, grandmas on the sidelines every week, the ladies in the background at every club, both grassroots and professional, through to every female player and official. I am so grateful to every single one of them because without them, we couldn’t play.
TALESHA QUINN - Dragons
It’s an opportunity for us to recognise all the amazing women involved in this great game. From players to parents to the women helping out around Australia. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help and support from all the beautiful women being involved.
SHONTELLE STOWERS - Roosters
It’s a humbling moment for me, showing the commitment this great game has to not only men, but women who contribute and play an integral part to its smooth running and success.
Acknowledging the focus on supporting the next generation of women — parents, administrators and players.
NRL has come a long way in the past 10 years and although there is still much work to be done, this direction is a great one, and one that I am proud and grateful to be part of.
ELIANNA WALTON - Roosters
Every single mother, daughter, sister, wife, girlfriend, grandmother, whoever has been associated with rugby league in providing assistance as CEOs, administrators, managers, trainers, coaches, referees, players, volunteers, who nurtures of great game, they get the recognition they deserve for being the backbone for our incredible sport.
For that I thank you.
MEG WARD - Broncos
Women in League week is a week to really celebrate and thank all the amazing women involved in the game. Whether they are family, volunteers, fans, partners, players, past players, coaching staff ... all the women. The game wouldn’t be the same without them.
To me it also means really appreciating and remembering all the previous players who gave up so much and sacrificed so much to help get the women’s game to where it is today.