Female GDO Showcase Stories /

Claudia Bush's Story 

• Role: Game Development Officer 
• Region: Campbelltown/ Liverpool

I began my rugby League Journey in 2017, playing League Tag with the Camden Rams. I played League Tag for 6 years before making the transition to tackle footy in 2024, playing with my local club The Oaks Tigers as part of their inaugural women's team.

Anyone who knows me knows I was never interested in playing tackle. The physical contact was something I wasn't keen on! However, after starting a fulltime role in the NRL at the end of 2023, I was encouraged by my coworkers, family and friends to give it a go. Looking back, I do not regret my decision!

I started playing at fullback in league Tag but have since transitioned into the halves in tackle, where I continue to play today. At the end of my first tackle season, I was contacted by Penrith Panthers to come out and join their first inaugural women's team for the 2025 season. I am now proud to be contracted with the Panthers again for the 2026 season.

What excites me most is seeing how quickly Women's Rugby League is growing. There are now so many more pathways and development opportunities for young girls than when I first started. I am excited to continue learning, improving as a player and watching the women's game reach even greater heights.

Casey Goudie's Story

• Role: Game Development Officer
• Region: North & East

My rugby league story began in primary school when Game Development Officers visited my school to introduce us to League Tag. From that moment, I was hooked. The opportunities continued throughout high school, and whenever there was a chance to play or represent my school at carnivals, my hand was always the first to go up.

Years later, while studying at university, everything came full circle. Dave Cohen ran one of our practical workshops and encouraged us to apply for an ADO role. I took the chance, and before long, I progressed into a full-time Game Development Officer, creating the same opportunities for students that had first inspired me.

Growing up surrounded by family and friends who loved the NRL and State of Origin sparked my first love for the game, but it was seeing firsthand how rugby league brings people together and how accessible it is for everyone that made me want to get more involved.

Early in my career, I did experience some challenges such as teachers would often assume a male colleague was running gala days/events and speak to him before me. By backing myself, building strong relationships, and letting my work speak for itself, I quickly made a name for myself.

Looking ahead, I’m most excited by the continued growth of the NRLW. The standard of the competition keeps rising, the athletes are inspiring role models, and it’s exciting to see more people, including many of my AFL loving friends, become passionate supporters of the women’s game. I love seeing the community grow!

Taylor Giggins

• Role: Game Development Officer 
• Region: Southern NSW
• Junior League Club: UC Stars

After growing up predominantly riding horses, my first introduction to Rugby League was supporting the Brisbane Broncos alongside my dad and entering football through playing touch football. In Year 12 I participated in a local League Tag gala day where my love for the sport began.

NRLW player Brydie Parker also inspires my involvement in the game as someone who I used to compete against in Athletics. Since moving to Canberra, I got involved with volunteering and working with the Canberra Raiders, before shifting into my current GDO role. I've now been playing League Tag as part of the UC Stars for seven consecutive seasons, and love watching our game grow through my role.

Being 5’ nothing, I found being a female in the Rugby League space I wasn’t always taken seriously. The more involvement I’ve had in the game, experience I’ve gained, and connections created, the easier I have felt integrated in the game and connected with people that I am privileged to work alongside each day. The female game excites me as we see the continued from the top to our grassroots levels. Watching the standard of school football improve yearly, is truly something that makes me smile. Increased League Tag opportunities at a representative level is also an area that excites me for those who play the non-contact version of our game. 

Georgia Whyte

• Role: Game Development Officer
• Region: Metro
• Junior League Club: Albury Muddogs

 
I found my way into rugby league somewhat by circumstance. While studying an Education degree at university, COVID-19 put our local club at risk of folding. I had no experience in club administration, but I did have a deep passion for female participation in sport. So, rather than see the club disappear, I stepped in and took on the role of president, coach and player.

My motivation to lead in rugby league came from a desire to create opportunities for women in a space that had traditionally been male dominated, particularly in my regional community. I wanted to ensure women and girls could see themselves represented, accepted and empowered within the game. We placed a strong emphasis on culture, accountability and creating an environment where people felt valued. If players, volunteers and families enjoyed being part of the club, participation and success would generally follow. Within two years we rebuilt participation from zero to full sized men’s and women’s squads, and I was fortunate to be part of a premiership-winning team as player-coach.

Being a young female leader in rugby league brought its challenges. I often found myself learning on the run and navigating spaces where there were few women in similar roles. Those experiences reinforced the importance of visibility and opportunity. It has been encouraging to see the growth of female participation, coaching and administration in recent years, and I’m excited to see that momentum continue for the next generation of women and girls in the game.

Georgia Heggs

• Role: Game Development Officer
• Region: Perth North East
• Junior League Club: South Newcastle Lions

 
My rugby league journey began in Newcastle, where I grew up following the game with my dad before pulling on a jersey for the South Newcastle Lions. Watching him play inspired me, but once I stepped onto the field, I fell in love with every part of the game—the friendships, the competition, the physicality and the challenge.

I was one of the first girls to represent my primary school in rugby league, supported by incredible coaches, teachers and pathway leaders who believed in me. As one of the only girls playing, I was often laughed at and told I didn't belong. I even wore headgear to hide my hair so opponents wouldn't realise I was a girl until after the game. I overcame those challenges because my club, school, family, friends and teammates always had my back, reinforcing that there was a place for girls in rugby league.

The hardest moment came at 12, when I had to stop playing because there was no girls' competition. Today, seeing the growth of the NRLW and junior female pathways is incredibly special. Watching my two daughters run onto the field is something I never take for granted, and I'm excited to see the next generation enjoy opportunities I could only dream of.