Women’s rugby league in Central Queensland has received a significant boost with the appointment of Tahnee Norris as BMD Head Coach of the Rockhampton Leagues Club Capras.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players and coaches in the history of the women’s game, Norris brings an unmatched résumé, elite leadership, and a proven winning culture to the Capras women’s program.
Norris was named in the NRL Women’s Team of the Decade and remains the most capped Australian Jillaroo of all time, representing her country in 32 Test matches and four World Cups (2000, 2003, 2008 and 2013). She was selected in the Team of the Tournament on three occasions and co-captained Australia to its first Women’s World Cup victory in 2013.
Following her retirement, Norris transitioned seamlessly into coaching, delivering sustained success at every level. She guided the Burleigh Bears to an extraordinary six premierships in seven seasons, assisted the Australian Jillaroos, and most recently led Queensland Women to State of Origin series victories in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to rugby league, Norris was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2024.
Rockhampton Girls Grammar School is also proud to announce the appointment of Tahnee Norris as our new Head of Boarding. A highly respected leader, mentor and trailblazer in Australian women’s sport.
Capras CEO Peter White said the appointment was a landmark moment for the club and women’s rugby league in the region.
“Tahnee Norris is a generational leader in our game,” White said.
“Her record as both a player and coach speaks for itself, but just as importantly, she brings professionalism, credibility and a high-performance mindset that will lift our entire female program.
This appointment reflects the Capras’ commitment to providing genuine pathway opportunities for our female athletes across Central Queensland, no matter where they are located.”
Capras Head Coach Lionel Harbin welcomed Norris’ appointment, highlighting the impact her experience will have on players and staff.
“Tahnee understands what it takes to win at the highest level,” Harbin said.
“She sets high standards, demands accountability, and knows how to develop players both on and off the field.
Our athletes will benefit enormously from her leadership, and her presence strengthens the Capras as a whole.”
Norris said she was honoured to take on the role and excited about the future of the Capras women’s program.
“I’m incredibly proud to be appointed BMD Head Coach of the Central Queensland Capras,” Norris said.
“There is strong talent, passion and pride in this region, and the club has a clear vision for the growth of women’s rugby league.
I’m looking forward to working with the players, coaches and staff to build a program that represents Central Queensland with toughness, discipline and belief. If we commit to the standards and work together, this group can achieve something really special.”
Norris’ appointment reinforces the club’s intention to continue to ambition to be a leader in women’s rugby league Pathways Development and Performance across Queensland.
TAHNEE NORRIS – CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2024 – Inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame
- 2021–2024 – Queensland Women’s State of Origin Head Coach (Series wins: 2021, 2023, 2024)
- 2022 – NRLW Titans Senior Assistant Coach
- 2015–2021 – Burleigh Bears Women’s Head Coach (6 x Premierships)
- 2014–2016 – Australian Jillaroos Assistant Coach
- 1997–2014 – Australian Jillaroos (32 Tests, 4 World Cups, most capped player)
- Named in NRL Women’s Team of the Decade
