"No female role models": NRLW is changing the landscape for women

If anyone in women’s sport understands the difference being a full-time athlete brings to you, it’s Tiana Penitani Gray.

The former Rugby Sevens star turned NRLW Sharks captain was agonisingly close to competing at the 2016 Olympic Games before injury cruelled her chances.

Back then Penitani Gray enjoyed everything being a full-time athlete had to offer but after an ACL reconstruction and 18 months away from sport it was NRLW that caught her attention.

The 30-year-old, who has previously played for the Dragons and Eels, has become one of the most respected names in NRLW and knows she has a role to play in ensuring thew game continues to grow.

Speaking to SEN at the 20 years of Women in League event in Sydney, Penitani said she wants young girls to grow up with female heroes as well as male – something she missed out on as a child.

“I don’t really have female role models in this game but the people that come to mind are the women in broadcast; Lara Pitt, Yvonne Sampson and the women I saw on TV,” she said.

“I saw them do such an incredible job in a male dominated industry.

“Growing up it was men that we looked up to and watch and idolised. Now we see so many powerhouse women on and off the field.

“It wasn’t until I started watching in 2018 when it was broadcast that I thought there was a genuine opportunity I could go back to.

“What we try and aspire to achieve through our actions is to show young people there is a pathway, there is a dream they can achieve. There are so many avenues in which you can be involved in rugby league. It’s the best sport in the country.”

Penitani is one of 12 NRLW stars to feature in the Harvey Norman sponsored exhibition by artist Cherine Fahd.

The gallery showcases the toughness with the softness of female rugby league players.

“I have such a sense of pride,” she says while looking at her photos. “The shoulders we stand on to be in this position, it’s a huge sense of pride, humbleness and it should reflect the sport in such a positive light.

“Where the game is now, it’s moving into a unique space and it’s allowing you to market yourself as an athlete in this country and capitalise on opportunities beyond just playing the sport.

“We hope that within the next CBA that full-time is negotiated. That’s in 2028 and so there is ample time to get this done. This game will only grow, and we will see athletes being able to get by on playing alone.”