This week marks a half-century of celebrating NAIDOC Week and as a result, it’s appropriate that we reflect on the impact Indigenous players have had on rugby league over the past 50 years.
In partnership with the NRL, Nine.com.au is putting a spotlight on some incredible athletes.
Fans can vote on who they believe are the best Indigenous players of the past 50 years in both the men’s and women’s game.
In this piece, we’re focusing on the top Indigenous women’s forwards to play the game, including a historic Dally M winner.
Olivia Kernick
Not only is she the best forward in the NRLW right now, but Olivia Kernick can lay claim to being the best player in the entire competition.
Kernick has risen to undeniable heights over the past few years, leading the Sydney Roosters to a premiership in 2024 in the same year she won the Dally M Medal, becoming the first and only female forward to collect the award.
The rangy back-rower, who is just as capable on the edge as she is in the middle, has been a dominant force for the NSW Blues in recent series as well - but perhaps the scariest part is the fact Kernick only turned 25 earlier this year and there’s genuine reason to believe her best football is still to come.
If she continues on the trajectory she’s on right now, Kernick will cement herself as one of the all-time greats and a true Indigenous rugby league icon.
Indigenous Inspirations: Olivia Kernick
Katrina Fanning
A legitimate pioneer who paved the way, Fanning was one of the NRL’s inaugural Hall of Fame inductees from the women’s game in 2024 and is the only Indigenous female member of that elite club.
A tough front-rower from Junee who never took a backwards step, Fanning was part of the first-ever Jillaroos team in 1995 and played in two World Cups, going on to captain her country and feature in 24 Test matches.
She has given back an enormous amount to the community post-playing and was named ACT’s Australian of the Year in 2020 for her work in education and health.
Fanning’s legacy will continue for years to come, with Canberra’s women’s premiership competition named in her honour.
2024 Hall of Fame Induction - Katrina Fanning
Keilee Joseph
Another elite modern-day forward who has done it all, Keilee Joseph is already a two-time NRLW premiership winner at the young age of 24.
An aggressive lock-forward, Joseph was part of the Roosters’ first title-winning side four years ago and then moved to the Broncos, where she tasted more success last season before switching clubs again, joining the Eels.
Joseph has been fantastic on the biggest stage as well, producing dominant performances in the Queensland and Australian jersey.
Short in stature compared to some of her rivals in the middle, Joseph makes up for that with a hunger and tenacity that is unmatched.
Keilee Joseph slices through the middle
Caitlan Johnston-Green
One of the most destructive players in the women’s game on her day, Caitlan Johnston-Green has been a force to be reckoned with over the years.
An imposing front-rower who can skittle defensive lines, Johnston-Green has become a cult hero in the NRLW level and was a member of Newcastle’s maiden premiership win in 2024, before signing with the Sharks.
Johnston-Green has represented both state and country on the representative stage and is highly respected among her peers.
Women’s forwards full list
Shaylee Bent, Quincy Dodd, Katrina Fanning, Tallisa Harden, Caitlan Johnston-Green, Keilee Joseph, Olivia Kernick, Rebecca Young.
