'Historic moment' as Titans coach named for top honour

The NRL is set to make history with its first ever female inductees into the Hall of Fame.

Natalie Dwyer, Katrina Fanning, Tarsha Gale, Veronica White, Karyn Murphy and Tahnee Norris are the players who will be inducted with ARLC chairman Peter V’landys AM describing it as a “historic moment” for the code.

“This class includes some of the great trailblazers of women’s rugby league,” he said.

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“They all significantly helped to put women’s rugby league in the strong position it is today.”

All inductees played for the Jillaroos across their careers with Norris claiming the most caps on 33.

Dwyer captained the Jillaroos five times, including the side’s inaugural Test against New Zealand in 1995. Fanning played in that Test, with her other list of achievements including ACT Australian of the Year in 2020. The Canberra women’s premiership is named in her honour.

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Gale captained the Jillaroos on 11 occasions and also played in the 1995 Test. The NSW Women’s under 19s premiership is named the Tarsha Gale Cup.

Murphy is the current Gold Coast Titans NRLW coach and played in four World Cups for the Jillaroos. The Karyn Murphy medal for player of the NRLW grand final is named after her.

White has the NRLW Community award named in her honour and played 17 Tests.

“It’s a privilege to see the game take this step and recognise female players in the National Rugby League Hall of Fame,” V’landys said.

“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.”