NRL Women In League Award /

As part of the NRL Community Awards presented by Westpac, the NRL Women In League Award is presented to someone who has acted as an exceptional advocate for the advancement and opportunity of women in rugby league.

The winner's unique contributions will have raised awareness of women's involvement in rugby league, and will have played an active role in encouraging more girls and women to participate in the game.

2024 Women In League Award - Maryanne Longstaff

For twenty-four years, Maryanne Longstaff has devoted her time to promoting and growing the game of Rugby League in South Australia for women. Her experience as a player has shaped Maryanne as a coach and mentor for women in South Australia. She volunteers her time to be the South Adelaide Women’s Coach, Women’s Rookie Rise Coach, Under 8s coach as well as the South Australian Senior Women’s Coach.

Constantly updating her coaching techniques to help talented women reach their full potential, Maryanne progresses her mentees to the Queensland Cup, Tasha Gayle Cup and the NRLW Premiership. She is fiercely determined to recruit women to the game of league and ensure NRLSAW competition has the same opportunities as the senior men’s competition.

Maryanne’s passion extends beyond the field as she also volunteers as a committee member, Club Coaching co-ordinator and is constantly fundraising to help local junior children play Rugby League.

From Adelaide Rugby League Club Footballer of the Year to dedicated coach and advocate of the game, Maryanne’s commitment to Women’s Rugby League in South Australia has made such a significant impact that the NRLSA League Women’s Medal and the South Adelaide Women’s Trophy have both been named in her honour.