LAKE Cathie Bonny Hills Rugby League Club President Benny Smith is working hard to change perceptions of the male dominated sport.
As a father of daughters, Benny is determined to embody Australia’s International Women’s Day theme of “Balance the Scales”.
He’s worked very hard at a club level to attract and retain girls and women players, resulting in its executive committee comprising 50 percent women.
Last year, the club fielded a women’s league tag team that played a full season – a massive achievement reflective of the club’s culture of grit, camaraderie and support.
This year saw the formation of the club’s first women’s tackle team, which proved very popular, but the draw locations and times didn’t align with the players’ availability, so they could not proceed.
“It would be nice to see stronger support of women in the game, and it is an absolute pleasure to see them turning up each week so eager to play.
“I’m excited for the year ahead, hopefully we keep attracting ladies to this sport and it keeps getting bigger.”
Player Brie Ponsonby told News Of The Area, “women in rugby league are changing the game, more women are stepping onto the field every season and proving that this sport is not defined by gender.
“I’m really excited to be part of that growth this year and to see how far our team can go.”
The club’s vision for this year also includes greater retention of younger male players and more fully-developed men’s sides.
Its goal is also to challenge the dominance of the more established clubs in the area.
By Rachael THORPE
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