ELLENBROOK Rabbitohs Rugby League (ERRL) clubs’ very own Girls League Tag (GLT) team have partnered with local businesses who are owned and operated by women ahead of the NRL Women in League round.

The initiative seeks to connect young female players with local business women and role models to help start their careers and development towards a future where they can balance sports and business opportunities to have the best of both worlds.

Owner and Mortgage Choice broker Danielle Williams, who is one of the sponsors for the 2023 ERRL GLT team said that it was a great way to support young girls who play a sport.

“I love to show them you can have a career in both sports and business without having to sacrifice anything if you plan and find support,” she said.   

Other sponsors included Zambrero’s Aveley and Catrina Wilson from Harness Horse Racing, who will sponsor the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs playing guernsey that the girls will wear for the next two rounds before starting the finals in mid-August.

GLT is a non-contact modified form of rugby league, providing a safe foundation and introduction for progression into full contact. The 2023 GLT Team has 10 new to league players who had never played league, but participated at their primary school in a recent event hosted by the NRLWA Development Team during the first term.

GLT coach Zane Hughes said the NRLWA and the local clubs are doing everything they can to encourage and assist new and younger players to see rugby league as a possible career.

“NRLWA do this through offering multiple pathways and great opportunities to try the game safely in a fun and friendly environment,” he said.

The initiative has been established this year off of the success of the NRL Women and the NRLWA participation in the inaugural U18 girls state squad, who competed at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships, helped by the newly admitted Dolphins Kayo Stadium on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. The Ellenbrook Rabbitoh’s had six female players selected in the squad who all came through the GLT Squad previously.

All of the players were excited to receive their Women in League round guernseys that they will keep after the season, and are excited to play with friends and love the fact they are supported by local businesses that they and their families also support.

If you have any questions or interest in being involved with the girls rugby league in the Swan area, contact president@ellenbrookrabbitohs.com.au or get in touch via their website here.