'Representation is important': Penitani Gray inspires next gen

Westpac NSW Blues and Cronulla star Tiana Penitani Gray has taken on the biggest challenges a rugby league player can face. 

Whether it be in the NRLW, State of Origin or the international arena, the playmaker has thrived in the big moments. 

But picking up the microphone and moving into the role of sideline commentator has proved a unique challenge for Penitani Gray.

Rather than fronting the media, the veteran is now the one asking the tough questions of often-surly coaches at post-game press conferences. It's no job for the feint hearted. 

In stepping out of her comfort zone, Penitani Gray is living the theme of this year's Harvey Norman Women in League Round, 'Seeing is believing'. 

For Penitani Gray, that involves more than just providing the opportunity for girls to know they have a place in rugby league, whether it be on the field or off it, but it also allows the proud Tongan to blaze a trail for Pasifika voices on TV.

"The Fox crew have been really supportive," Penitani Gray told NRL.com. "I've been thrown in the deep end but it's been great. 

"It's something I've picked up over the years and gained experience by being an athlete and doing media work. I'm lucky for the opportunities presented to me and I thought 'if not me, who else?'

"I'm wanting to take the opportunity with both hands and do a good job at it. Representation on TV is really important. There aren't many Pasifika faces on TV but more than 50% of the game's players have Pacific Islander heritage so it was important to do my part for that representation."

Penitani Gray first dipped her toe in the media waters while playing rugby sevens for Australia. 

Since then she has steadily gained more exposure and is now working as a sideline commentator for Fox League. Her biggest project, however, has been That Pacific Sports Show on the ABC. 

The weekly TV show allows Penitani Gray to explore Pasifika stories and talk directly to Polynesian audiences. The show has grown significantly since its formation and was named the best depiction of inclusive sport at the recent Australian Sports Commission Media Awards. 

"It was really special," Penitani Gray said. "It meant a lot to me, [co-host] Sam Wykes and the broader team. The show is so young and we've watched it grow and snowball. 

"I'm really proud of it, it is a passion project so to receive that recognition and win our first award was a proud moment. It's encouragement to keep doing what we've been doing and that's sharing Pasifika stories."

While expanding her media work, Penitani Gray hasn't taken her eye off her goals on the football field. 

The versatile back led Cronulla to last year's NRLW grand final before she played a key role in Australia's triumph at the Pacific Championships.

Penitani Gray stepped into the No.6 jersey for last week's State of Origin series opener against Queensland and she will again play in the halves for Game Two at Allianz Stadium next Thursday. 

The 29-year-old's success has helped the Penitani Gray families develop into a rugby league power family in recent times. 

Tiana's husband Aaron is a former Rabbitohs and Cronulla winger, while her younger sister Natasha plays for the Wests Tigers and is a Tongan international. 

The forward is married to Aaron's brother Brock, who made his NRL debut for the Titans earlier this year. 

Tiana's younger brother Noah is currently progressing through the South Sydney pathway and is a member of their Jersey Flegg side. 

Penitani Gray and her NSW teammates assembled in camp on Thursday as they look to wrap up the State of Origin series in Sydney next week. 

The Blues were in a similar position last year, only to let the shield slip through their grasp and they're determined to ensure it does not happen again this season.

Having quickly found her feet in the No. 6 jumper in Game One, Penitani Gray is confident she can produce an even better performance at Allianz Stadium. 

"It was great to get Game One under my belt and get a feel for the position," she said. "There's only so much training you can do and trial games you can play. 

"To get out there with the pressure is a different beast. I'm comfortable now so can build over the next week and can't wait to get out there."

Be there for Game Two of the Women's State of Origin at Allianz Stadium on May 15. Get your tickets now.