Jo Corliss doesn’t hesitate when asked why Rugby League has been so good for her 13-year-old daughter Sophie, who has Down Syndrome.
“She’s been included,” Corliss told nswrl.com.au.
“Everybody has included her, her teammates, the coaches have been amazing, because at times they have to put in that little bit extra for Soph and they’re so happy to do it.”
Sophie’s story reflects ‘The Game for All’ commitment that has been celebrated in March as part of the NSWRL’s Inclusion Month.
The awareness campaign was designed to promote inclusion and reflect the diversity of the community and culminated with a free Inclusion Gala Day at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence on Saturday 25 March.
Sophie’s Rugby League journey began when she was five after catching sight of her brother playing the game. Her mum tried to push her into other sports, and even tried her to get her into dancing, but Sophie was hooked on Rugby League.
Her favourite player is True Blue Latrell Mitchell from the South Sydney Rabbitohs (although mum Jo admits that might be her influence) and was happy to catch up with Westpac NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler and Harvey Norman NSW Sky Blues coach Kylie Hilder during the NSWRL Regional Hogs tour.
Her local team is the Hay Magpies in the western Riverina of NSW and her coach, Leah Brooks, said she was a joy to have around.
“She’s an absolute gun,” Brooks said.
“She gets out and tries everything, she knows the aspects of the game and the other girls in the team just look out for her... she’s just got such a good rapport with them.
“She just gives 100 per cent every time, running the ball, playing the ball, going for tags. It melts your heart just watching her play, just that smile on her face constantly.”
Besides the traditional format of the game (tackle), the NSWRL offers other options to get involved in Rugby League including League Tag (non-tackle), Try League for CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities, Physical Disability Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League.
“It's the game for everyone,” Brooks said.
“It doesn’t matter about your skill level or anything really. It’s just about getting out there, having a go, being with your mates, having fun and learning a few skills along the way.
“I remember when Soph first started she struggled to pass the ball, or she struggled to be able to get those tags. But last year she was out there and she grabbed a few tags and was shaking them in the air. She knew exactly what she had to do.
“She’s had a few tries and she lets you know too. You turn around and you get the big smile and the big thumbs up, she just loves everything about it.”
