Bianca Scrymgour is a Shine Award nominee

An outstanding captain in her own right, it’s the opportunity to have a positive impact on young women everyday through coaching and mentoring that drives Bianca Scrymgour.

The opportunity to have an impact on young women’s lives everyday drives Northern Territory rugby league star Bianca Scrymgour.

“I enjoy the camaraderie that it brings, the friendships, the challenges, and the impact that it makes on the young women that play,” she said.

“A lot of them have stuff going on back home, so rugby is an outlet for them, and hearing their stories, and being able to be a part of their journey, whether it’s big or small, has made rugby really impactful in my life.”

Captain Bianca Scrymgour celebrates the Darwin Brothers win against the Palmerston Raiders in the 2024 NRL NT women's grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Captaining the Darwin Brothers to a three-peat this year, Bianca also spends time coaching and mentoring younger players in their development with NRL NT, both on and off the field.

“I think as a player there’s a lot of times where it can get a bit much, not just physically, but mentally. But then in the coaching space, I’ve found that love and passion to have a little bit of an influence on a young person’s life,” she said.

“And it’s not only on the field. I get messages asking to help with assignments, answer a few questions, and be a referee for jobs.

“I honestly can’t put it into words how that makes me feel.”

Women of the Year Bianca Scrymgour, finalist in the Champions of Sport category. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bianca said it’s fantastic to see how the women’s game has grown in recent years.

“It’s come a long way. Now our girls from the NT are getting looked at for the Pacific Championships, playing against players that are in the NRLW at the moment,” she said.

“We’ve had three playing for Fiji, one that’s played for Papua New Guinea and three of them get an opportunity to trial with the North Queensland Cowboys.

“I keep sharing that news to my under-18s team, and (telling the girls) it’s within arms reach if you really want it.”

Being named Volunteer of the Year at the NT Sport Awards this year was due recognition for Bianca’s contribution to the sport.

“You don’t think to do these things for the accolades, but to be recognised for the hard work and time and effort that you do put in is something else.”

The Shine Awards is a joint partnership between The Weekly Times and Harvey Norman that is a true celebration of women right across rural and regional Australia.