The National Rugby League (NRL) in partnership with Harvey Norman has announced details of new programs aimed at cultivating the next generation of female leaders in Rugby League.
Harvey Norman Women In League Round will be celebrated across Round 22 of the Telstra Premiership and Round 2 of the Telstra Women’s Premiership, kicking off tonight when the Wests Tigers host the Cowboys Leichhardt Oval.
The NRL Women In League Internship Program, being introduced in 2024 thanks to Harvey Norman, will focus on creating new opportunities for women to be represented across the game and providing on-the-job experience for aspiring young women looking to forge a path in rugby league.
The NRL Women In League Mentoring Program has been designed to support the career advancement of women within the NRL, Clubs and State Leagues.
Twenty high-performing women from across the game will be paired with executive mentors from sport and business to gain valuable insight and support, and to help them navigate and advance their careers in rugby league.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the two new programs will be aimed at attracting, developing and retaining female leaders across the game.
“Harvey Norman is an incredible supporter of women in Rugby League and with their generous support we’ve been able to develop new programs that will enable attracting, developing and retaining the best female talent into the game.
“The internship program will open up new employment opportunities for young aspiring women and the mentoring program will provide invaluable access to experienced business leaders, providing opportunities for career advancement.”
Harvey Norman CEO, Katie Page said: “We talk about leadership in our company. The NRL talks about female leadership and how they can get more executives coming through not just in the main office, but in the clubs as well.
Removing the invisibility cloak: Page on evolution of Women In League
"To be able to offer the internships for two amazing women, whoever they are – and no I am not on the panel – they are going to get access to the best the NRL’s got to offer in leadership and also the best at Harvey Norman.
"I can’t think of a more in-depth internship. You are getting two views of the world.”
Local Community Action
Harvey Norman Women In League Round will be celebrated across the round of NRL and NRLW action with Clubs paying tribute to key women in their local communities.
Local Junior Rugby League girls teams will have the opportunity to lead their NRL and NRLW heroes on to the field at each match this weekend.
At the community level, the NRL Education Team will host a Supporting Female Athletes Workshop for coaches, volunteers, sports trainers and parents, plus a special Girls Only Clinic for schoolgirls transitioning from non-contact to contact formats of the game.
Information on the NRL’s Harvey Norman Women In League Round initiatives can be found at: nrl.com/womeninleague