Women in League Round: ‘Colleen Edwards – what a champion’

Queensland Rugby League statewide competitions content producer Colleen ‘Coz’ Edwards has spent the past 4540-odd days of her life living and breathing rugby league.

Edwards  - since officially starting at QRL on March 8, 2010 - does it all; she covers the statewide competitions including Hostplus Cup, plays for the Normanby Hounds, is part of the QRL History Committee, volunteers at the Queensland Pacific Cultural Carnival, steps into the role of Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons media manager during State of Origin and constantly advocates for the game and its people.   

Edwards, who hails from around Toowoomba, is passionate about the game, passionate about equal opportunity for all, and passionate about seeing players develop from grassroots level right through to the Queensland Maroons and beyond.

There is a good chance if you’re involved in rugby league across Queensland – as a player, volunteer, official, staff member or spectator, you have crossed Edwards’ path, so it’s only fitting that this Harvey Norman Women in League Round, one of the competition’s biggest advocates gets a nod.

QRL competitions manager Dave Maiden said put quite simply, Edwards was invaluable to the game in Queensland.

“Colleen Edwards - what a champion,” Maiden said.

“Have had the pleasure of working alongside Coz for almost 10 years. Through that time, I have never once heard her raise her voice or say anything derogatory about anyone – in fact I have heard nothing but her joy for the game of rugby league. She epitomises what Women in League is about – the unsung heroes who keep our great game afloat, the glue that binds all together and those who hold an immense passion for the opportunities the greatest game of all can provide.

“Coz has been a voice for those who may not have been heard and she values equity for all above all else, sometimes at her own detriment.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Colleen and can only again reiterate what an honour it has been to work alongside someone who reminds you daily that rugby league is a game for all and to never take that for granted.

“Cozza – her voice may be almost inaudible but the depth of her words and passion for the game speak volumes.”

Rugby League Brisbane Board chair Sharon Hickey – another incredible woman within the game of rugby league in Queensland - said “Colleen is a living and breathing advocate for rugby league”.

“More passionate than myself… when not supporting our game by attending as many matches as physically possible and being a part of our QRL History Committee, she actually plays it too with the mighty Normanby Hounds,” Hickey said.

“Always has a smile on her face, camera in hand and kind words for all. So proud to have her in my rugby league family.”

Brisbane Tigers Hostplus Cup coach Jon Buchanan said crossing Edwards’ path was always a pleasure.

“She can’t do enough for you, our players and our club,” Buchanan said, adding she was “always around with a smile on her face no matter what she’s doing”.

“She’s raised the coverage of our competition to a level that showcases the amazing talent we have.”

Tweed Seagulls digital content and marketing manager Max Ellis said her contribution across the game could not be understated.

“Colleen made my introduction to the QRL competition three years ago an easy transition as a nervous university graduate… since that introduction, she's always been my go-to for advice over the years,” Ellis said.

Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons skipper Ali Brigginshaw, who played for Brisbane Tigers in the BMD Premiership competition this year, said Edwards gave “absolutely everything to the game of rugby league, especially the women’s game”.

“Nothing is ever too hard… she will go above and beyond for everyone,” Brigginshaw said.

“She is the heart of the Maroons.”