As someone who has been there to experience many ‘firsts’ in the NRLW, Broncos forward Shannon Mato is looking forward to this week’s Magic Round, after missing last season due to pregnancy.
The representative prop – who had been pushing to make a competitive return to the field for Queensland during the State of Origin series before a hamstring injury – welcomed baby Charnze-Pati in October last year.
After signing on to return to her debut club after spending four successful seasons with the Titans, Mato played her first post-baby game in Round 1 against the Cowboys and has played every game since this season.
After playing her most minutes yet in Brisbane’s tough win over Newcastle last round, Mato was excited to be heading to Wagga Wagga with her team to experience Magic Round for the first time.
“It is my first time,” Mato – who was one of the first to play in an All Stars game in Aotearoa New Zealand and in a three-game Origin series – told NRL.com.
“Normally I've come into a game where there was a lot of historic moments and I think that was the first one that I've missed last year due to pregnancy.
“I'm very excited.
“I get to reunite with all of the friends that are everywhere else, and I get to catch up with them for a little stint, I’m excited.
“I'm glad that we get to give back to the community (as well playing in a regional area).
“Without the community, we wouldn't be where we are today … I'm glad we get to take it to a region where they don't get much footy and I'm glad that we get to put it on for them.
“They get to not only watch two teams, they get to watch every team in the NRLW.
“Glad we can give back.”
2026 NRLW Magic Round is upon us!
On making her return, Mato said the support of not only her circle, but of the club, NRL and QRL had been instrumental in helping her feel ready for the rigours of NRLW football.
Mato is one of a growing cohort of mothers returning to the game post-childbirth, following on from the likes of past players Sam Bremner and Tazmin Rapana, with new policies in place in the game to smooth the transition.
“I've enjoyed (being back), Princey (coach Scott Prince) and Paul (Dyer – head of NRLW & Game Development) have done a really good job with helping me build back into it,” Mato said.
“They haven't really pressured me to play big minutes, so I think it's as much as I show that I'm working on things, the more that they'll let me on, but I'm just trusting their process.
“We have a great team.
“We've got people across every position that are really great at what they do, so I think it's easy for me to just focus on my job.
“I'm pretty fortunate in that position.
“I think (the game and club have) understood that we are women and that's what comes with being a woman and I'm just glad that they've provided opportunities for us to return and have those policies in place so that we are safe to return.
“And that's new for NRLW … I think they're still getting educated on that side of things, so I'm glad that they are open to it, instead of rejecting it.
“I'm still navigating how to be a mum as well, so returning was new for me.
“I think I'm such a hard head, and so I kind of tried to return like how I normally would, but knowing that my body had changed, I kind of had to learn how to be patient and give myself some grace.
“I think I'm just so used to being a professional athlete that I've got to remind myself that there's been some changes … and just trying to intertwine both of those roles into one of being an athlete and being a mum.
“So far, I've got loads of support and I'm just really grateful and just taking it one week at a time, and just still learning.
“There's other mums out there as well … I don't feel alone, and they've all got different journeys.
“I think it's just as much feedback that NRLW can get, the better the safety is …”
Having not lost since Round 3 last year against rivals the Roosters, the defending premiers have been working hard to continue their winning streak this season, knowing they have a target on their backs.
Taking on an improving Bulldogs outfit at Geohex Park on Sunday, Mato said the side would take the lessons from their Round 4 victory against the Knights, who really took it to the premiers in the first half, even taking the lead at one stage.
“We're taking one week at a time and just making sure that we don't get complacent, we know that every team provides hunger (when they play against us),” Mato said.
“The longer that you stay in the NRLW and want to get some points, you have that hunger.
“We've got a target on our backs, and so it's just making sure that we provide that good footy week-in, week-out.
“After this Newcastle game, we'll be revisiting the board and making sure that we prepare well again.”
Match: Bulldogs v Broncos
Round 5 -
home Team
Bulldogs
7th Position
away Team
Broncos
1st Position
Venue: Geohex Park, Wagga Wagga
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
