NRL makes history with the first-ever women’s Hall of Fame inductees

The NRL Hall of Fame will include women for the first time ever following a landmark announcement from the governing body. See which legends and pioneers of the game made the list.

Captain Julie McGuffie grabs Katrina Fanning (cousin of Canberra's Laurie Daley), with other members of Australia's women's RL team. Rugby League / Women

The women’s game has taken another step forward in its evolution with the NRL paying homage to its pioneers.

The governing body on Thursday announced the first-ever induction of female players into the NRL Hall of Fame.

Natalie Dwyer, Katrina Fanning, Tarsha Gale, Veronica White, Karyn Murphy and Tahnee Norris will be elevated into elite company at Wednesday’s night’s ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“This is a historic moment for the game – our first ever female players inducted into rugby league’s highest honour: the Hall of Fame,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.

“This class includes some of the great trailblazers of women’s rugby league.

“They all significantly helped to put women’s Rugby League is in the strong position it is today.”

“It’s a privilege to see the game take this step and recognise female players in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame,” V’landys said.

“Each of the inductees has played a significant role in the growth of the women’s game, and the game itself. They are extraordinary individuals who worked extremely hard to put women’s rugby league on the map.

“Women’s rugby league is as popular as it is now because of the efforts of the inductees.

“Each of them has also continued to play a significant role in the game after retirement.

“With the NRLW and women’s game flying, it is critical as a game that we pay tribute to those who have dug the well.

“These players will be forever known as being part of the first group of female players to join the NRL Hall of Fame.”

Originally published as NRL makes history with the first-ever women’s Hall of Fame inductees