There is no denying the growing global reach of rugby league, with this week's NRL Multicultural Round in particular highlighting the diverse background of the game's elite players.
Players representing 66 nations will take to the field for the special round, with Asian countries amongst those with expanding presence.
Currently, there are 22 Asian heritage players in the NRL – representing Japan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Timor, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Philippines - and three NRLW players with Asian heritage.
The game's top prop Payne Haas at the Broncos and his brother Klese at the Titans have Filipino heritage, while Panthers star winger Brian To'o celebrates his Chinese background.
Fellow Panthers Casey and Jesse McLean also share Chinese heritage, as does their cousin, Melbourne forward Joe Chan.
Following on from last year's inaugural Asian Championships in the Philippines where Singapore men's team Memerang took out the tournament ahead of the home side, Japan and Hong Kong, a women's team has now been formed.
The dedicated Women’s Rugby League program marks a significant step for the sport’s overall growth in Singapore and has set the stage for a women’s domestic competition.
The Sunbirds are also set to play in the country’s first-ever women’s international fixture later this year, with a tour of Vanuatu planned for June.
The squad will be made up of Singaporeans based in Singapore and Australian based players with Singaporean heritage who have been playing in various competitions across the country.
Assisting the development of the players is an experienced coaching staff. Head coach Phil Browne is a former player for the Fiji Bati who's off-field roles include serving as team manager for the Fiji Bati and the Singapore Memerang. He was also team liaison for the USA Hawks at the 2017 World Cup.
St George Dragons Lisa Fiola coaches Matt Harris and Steve Berryman are the assistant coaches, while legendary trainer Ronnie Palmer, who is currently the head of performance for the Canterbury Bulldogs NRLW team, is also on staff.
"I’m really excited for our international debut with a tour to Port Vila in June to take on Vanuatu in a double header with the men’s," Browne - who shares both Fijian and Singaporean heritage - said of the upcoming tour.
"We’ve got a great balance of Singaporean home grown players, mainly with rugby union experience, as well as a number of Australian based players with Singaporean heritage.
“(Rugby league and) the NRL is gaining popularity in Singapore. We’re getting more interested players contacting us each week to see how they can get involved, which will help us to launch the domestic competition in 2026.”
Already, there has been some exciting developments for the side, with Singapore Rugby Union 7s star Jayne Chan converting to rugby league with instant success.
After taking part in Harvey Norman Women's Premiership trials this week, Chan has been offered a contract with Wentworthville Magpies.
A Singapore representative in basketball as well, Browne said he was excited to see her progression.
"She is real talent so I’m glad she’s taken a liking to rugby league," Browne said.
“With hard work and under the expert coaching from Renee Targett and Ross Antoniolli, I believe Jayne can take her game to the next level. The NRLW is definitely not out of reach.”
Singapore Sunbirds key dates
June 6: Singapore Sunbirds to make international debut against Vanuatu in Port Vila. (Double header with men)
July: Singapore women’s domestic competition to launch
October / November: Singapore v Philippines. Venue TBC
Players of Singaporean heritage who would like to get involved can email info@singaporerugbyleague.com
