The National Rugby League (NRL) will formally induct the first ever female players into the NRL Hall of Fame.
The following players have been confirmed as featuring in the Hall of Fame in the 2024 Class:
- Natalie Dwyer
- Katrina Fanning
- Tarsha Gale
- Veronica White
- Karyn Murphy
- Tahnee Norris
"This is an historic moment for the game – our first ever female players inducted into rugby league’s highest honour: the Hall of Fame,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.
“This class includes some of the great trailblazers of women’s Rugby League. They all significantly helped to put women’s Rugby League is in the strong position it is today.”
The list of achievements of the inductees includes:
- Natalie Dwyer played 26 Tests for the Jillaroos, five as captain – including captaining the Jillaroos in their inaugural Test against New Zealand in 1995.
- Katrina Fanning, ACT Australian of the Year in 2020, played 24 Tests for the Jillaroos, including the inaugural Test against New Zealand in 1995. The Canberra women’s Premiership is named the Katrina Fanning Shield in her honour.
- Tarsha Gale played 15 Tests for the Jillaroos, including 11 as captain, and was halfback in the inaugural Jillaroos Test against New Zealand in 1995. The NSW Women’s Under-19s premiership is named the Tarsha Gale Cup in her honour
- Karyn Murphy played 28 Tests for the Jillaroos, including 18 as captain, and was part of four World Cup campaigns (2000, 2003, 2008 and 2013). The NRLW grand final player of the match is named the Karyn Murphy Medal in her honour.
- Tahnee Norris played a record 33 Tests for the Jillaroos, including seven as captain. She played in four World Cup campaigns (2000, 2003, 2008 and 2013).
- Veronica White played 17 Tests for the Jillaroos, while the NRLW Community award was named the Veronica White Medal in her honour from 2019
“It’s a privilege to see the game take this step and recognise female players in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame,” Mr V’landys said.
“Each of the inductees has played a significant role in the growth of the women’s game, and the game itself. They are extraordinary individuals who worked extremely hard to put women’s Rugby League on the map.
“Women’s Rugby League is as popular as it is now because of the efforts of the inductees.
“Each of them has also continued to play a significant role in the game after retirement.
“With the NRLW and women’s game flying, it is critical as a game that we pay tribute to those who have dug the well.
“These players will be forever known as being part of the first group of female players to join the NRL Hall of Fame.”
The formal inductions will be made in a special ceremony on Wednesday, August 21 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
