As the 2018 Harvey Norman Women in League Round kicks off tonight, pathways on and off the rugby league field for women have never been stronger.
Now in the 12th year, Harvey Norman Women in League Round continues to provide the opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the role women of all ages play at all levels of rugby league.
More than half-a-million women have a direct connection with rugby league, with the NRL's vision to ensure they continue to be included, respected and engaged equally in all aspects of the game.
With the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership under a month away, the legacy that Women in League Round continues to leave for females involved with rugby league is something Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page remains immensely proud to support.
"We just love the game. We love rugby league," Ms Page said.
"So, the fact that you've got these women out there providing a more balanced view of the game to me is the best thing.
"I think you can tell today it’s been a slow burn, but my goodness me the contribution they're making to the game means that a generation of young women coming through will aspire to do what they're doing."
To showcase the opportunities available in the game to women and girls away from the field, the NRL in partnership with Harvey Norman, also ran a Pathways Mentoring Program which provided the opportunity for several women throughout the country, chosen for their service to the game both on and off the field, to be mentored by a successful rugby league figure in their chosen field.
Figures including the likes of Ms Page, Sydney Roosters Coach Trent Robinson, NRL Voice Against Violence Program Deliverer Alan Tongue, NRL Match Official Kasey Badger, Walkley award-winning Photographer Grant Trouville and ABC News Journalist Jen Browning, shared their knowledge, skills and experience with the women.
To view a compilation of the Harvey Norman Pathway’s Mentoring Program [CLICK HERE].
Eight teams will wear specially designed jerseys for the round, while the Brisbane Broncos will don their Women in League jersey in Round 23.
