Each week our special NRL ambassadors will rotate writing duties to bring you up to date with the latest off-field Rugby League news from around the country, including the far-reaching beneficial impacts of dedicated One Community programs. This week Alan Tongue reveals the preparations for the upcoming Women in League Round.
The first thing that usually springs to mind when we talk Rugby League is the amazing tries, the crunching tackles and the wonderful amount of skill that is displayed by our modern-day players week in, week out. Not often enough do we recognise the role that so many women play within our game.
The first thing that usually springs to mind when we talk Rugby League is the amazing tries, the crunching tackles and the wonderful amount of skill that is displayed by our modern-day players week in, week out. Not often enough do we recognise the role that so many women play within our game.
I have been so lucky to have great support from many women throughout my career. I have had a mother, who like most, has driven me to and from each training session and games every week, covering many miles and always helping out where needed in our club. I also have my wife who has been beside me throughout my entire NRL career and endured all the highs and lows of having a husband in the NRL (which isn’t the easiest job, let me tell you). Without her support things would have been so much harder.
All through my junior football career there were women in administration, on the medical staff and as club presidents who put in tireless amounts of time in the background. We all know that without them the game does not go on.
Over the next two weeks I am fortunate enough to be a part of a team from the NRL that is all about thanking some of these women and also to celebrate their contribution within our game. Alongside NRL ambassadors Nathan Hindmarsh, Petero Civoniceva, David Peachey, Steve Turner and Mario Fenech, we will travel from Darwin to Byron Bay, Canberra and Sydney to promote the Harvey Norman Women in League Round.
Women play significant and diverse roles in our game, from mums and grandmothers on the sidelines to coaches and players, volunteers, referees and support staff. But what they all have in common is they work tirelessly week after week to support and grow Rugby League from the grassroots through to the Telstra Premiership level.
The 2013 Women in League Round will be in Round 10 (May 17-20). Players, coaches, referees and fans all get involved and turn the game ‘pink’ – not only to celebrate the role of women in the game but also to raise money for many worthy charities including the McGrath Foundation.
Finally, thank you to all the women involved in our game for your endless and selfless contributions!
