The NSW Women’s Rugby League team will be presented “championship-style” rings at the Brad Fittler Medal Awards tonight, in recognition of their historic victory in the Interstate Challenge earlier this year.
The women broke an 18-year drought against Queensland; and the rings will be similar to the ones presented to the NSW VB Blues side that conquered Queensland after eight years of dominance in 2014.
Former NSW player, Tarsha Gale, is a state and national icon when it comes to Women’s Rugby League, so much so, that the new female nines competition for Under-18s has been named in her honour.
She is delighted that the current crop of Blues are being recognised for their wonderful achievement.
“It’s a tremendous honour for them and I’m really fortunate that David Trodden invited me to be along there tonight,” Gale tells NSWRL.com.au.
“I’ll certainly just be looking on with absolute pride and it’s such a great thing that the NSW Rugby League is behind the girls and really giving them credit and treating them really well.
“I think the league will grow and grow with their support, I was obviously very pleased that the girls have come away with the victory, the girls have really worked hard for it and hopefully that’s just the start of better things to come.”
The rings are made by Affinity Diamonds, and the likes of captain Ruan Sims, Sam Bremner, Kezie Apps, Allana Ferguson and Maddie Studdon will be among the current VB Blues representatives at the 13th annual Brad Fittler Medal.
The night recognises the achievements of players across all NSWRL teams and competitions, and the presentation of the rings is another leap in the exponential growth of women’s Rugby League.
That growth extends to the Tarsha Gale Nines, and having the tournament named after her is something she is incredibly proud of.
“I know it sounds very cliché I’m very honoured but I’m also truly amazed,” Gale said.
“I’m really quite amazed that the league is giving me such an honour and I just hope that I can do whatever I can to live up to that honour.”
The Brad Fittler Medal will begin tonight at 7:30pm at Sydney’s The Star Event Centre.
