Roosters playmaker Jocelyn Kelleher says she was taken aback to be nominated for the Veronica White Medal but is delighted to have had an impact on girls aspiring to play rugby league.
Kelleher was one of four players nominated for the medal, along with Simaima Taufa, Karina Brown, Tallisha Harden, for her work in her local Central Coast region which includes promoting rugby league to young girls and taking part in school visits and running training sessions.
"I always say to the girls coming through, they're so lucky to have these opportunities because we never had them," Kelleher told NRL.com of her advice at the sessions.
"When they go through and start playing NRLW the game's going to be bigger and better, more talented and skilful, the girls coming through will be 10 times better than we were. They'll be able to play from six right the way through, there's no limit."
Getting feedback from the girls and their families really makes a difference, Kelleher added.
"It's very rewarding, a lot of the time you get girls and parents coming up to you and saying 'we're so glad we came, you guys are really inspiring'," she said.
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"There was a girl with her family that I got to meet at the very first Get Active day and she asked for advice and from there she's come to all the games and been one of the biggest supporters of the game and it's really good we can have that impact on girls.
"Looking back I wish we had something like this but now I'm glad I'm the person they can look up to. There's no better feeling. I'll do anything I can to make sure they get amazing experiences and I'm glad I can help them out."
Kelleher said once she started doing some of the sessions, that lead to a greater involvement in a more formal capacity through both her club and the NRL.
"I've gone to the come-and-try days and I've done a few school visits where the Roosters and NRL have joined up. I've done a few girls Get Active days and just trying to promote girls in rugby league," she said.
"I just volunteered for one of the girls' Get Active days and ended up volunteering to go and do some school work as well. That day I got paired up with my now-boss who was impressed with the stuff I was doing and wanted to employ me so now I work for the NRL as well doing pretty much the same thing. Just working in schools and trying to get girls to play rugby league."
The winner of the Veronica White Medal will be announced on Sunday, April 10.