Women’s Rugby League pioneer Tarsha Gale is one of six female inductees to the NRL Hall of Fame today, the first female players to be given the prestigious honour.
Gale, who wore the red and green in the late 1990s and is a regular support of the Club’s women’s team and Women in League events, is regarded as one of the trailblazers of the women’s game, with the Rabbitohs participating in the NSWRL’s under 19s women’s competition named in her honour, the Tarsha Gale Cup.
Gale played 15 Tests for the Australian Jillaroos, including 11 as captain, and was halfback in the inaugural Jillaroos Test against New Zealand in 1995.
Gale has been honoured alongside Natalie Dwyer, Katrina Fanning, Veronica White, Karyn Murphy and Tahnee Norris as the first female inductees today.
“This is an historic moment for the game – our first ever female players inducted into Rugby League’s highest honour: the Hall of Fame,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said.
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AMThis class includes some of the great trailblazers of women’s Rugby League. They all significantly helped to put women’s Rugby League in the strong position it is today.
“It’s a privilege to see the game take this step and recognise female players in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.
“Each of the inductees has played a significant role in the growth of the women’s game, and the game itself. They are extraordinary individuals who worked extremely hard to put women’s Rugby League on the map.
“Women’s Rugby League is as popular as it is now because of the efforts of the inductees.
“Each of them has also continued to play a significant role in the game after retirement.
“With the NRLW and women’s game flying, it is critical as a game that we pay tribute to those who have dug the well.
“These players will be forever known as being part of the first group of female players to join the NRL Hall of Fame.”
The formal inductions will be made in a special ceremony on Wednesday 21 August at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
