Jillaroos, NSW Origin reps, players with international rugby backgrounds, two highly credentialled coaches, not to mention a major front of jersey sponsorship, was all unveiled at the Sharks Women’s team launch on Sunday.
Held at Rydges at Cronulla and attended by Sharks CEO Barry Russell, club officials, the full Sharks women’s squad and representatives of team partners EISS Super and Gecko, the event announced a new era for women’s rugby league in the Sutherland Shire.
Already recognised as ground-breakers in the area of the women’s game, having pioneered the female form as the first club to contract women players back in 2017, the Sharks are readying themselves to take on the best in the NSWRL Harvey Norman’s Women’s competition this year.
Glenn Brailey, currently the Club’s Academy and Talent Identification Manager and a highly credentialled local coach who guided the Harold Matthews Cup side to National Championship success in 2015, will be the Women’s team head coach, joined by former Sharks, NSW and Australian halfback Brett Kimmorley as his assistant.
With the quality of the squad at his disposal and the hype around women’s rugby league at the present time, Brailey was understandably eager for the season to get underway.
“We have a talented group and the girls have had a tremendous off-season, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do and that is challenging the best teams in the Harvey Norman Women’s competition this year,” Brailey said.
“Add to that the fantastic news that EISS have jumped on board as the major sponsor of our senior girls and of our Tarsha Gale under-18’s team, showing great faith in both the Sharks and in women’s rugby league, and we are all excited about the year ahead.”
And he has every reason to be optimistic about the prospects of his team, with Jillaroos Ruan Sims, Corban McGregor and Maddie Studdon leading the way, backed up by the likes of rising stars Quincy Dodd and Tayla Preston, along with some talented youngsters pushing up into the senior ranks after taking out the Tarsha Gale title in 2018.
McGregor, a Jillaroo and an outstanding ambassador for Women's rugby league, was today announced by Brailey as the Sharks team captain for the upcoming season.
Throw into that mix a bunch of girls keen to make their mark in a sport taking great strides year by year and it’s no surprise EISS, an award-winning industry super fund, was keen to join forces with the Sharks girls in 2019.
EISS Super CEO, Alexander Hutchison said; “We are excited and proud to further our support of women in sport through our partnership with the Cronulla Sharks. As an industry super fund, supporting local communities aligns with our promise to members.
"The Cronulla Sharks adds a household name to our Community Program which includes over 30 sporting clubs and charities across NSW."
The Sharks partnership with EISS Super sees their brand featured on the front of the Women’s team jerseys, while the Tarsha Gale girls have already begun their season with the logo front and centre on their 2019 playing strip.
Joining EISS as sponsors and supporters of the Sharks Women’s team is Gecko, the jersey sternum sponsor for 2019.
Graphic installation specialists with dedicated installers delivering projects across Australia and New Zealand, Matt Dawson from Gecko was equally excited to be adding his company's support for the upcoming season.
“Gecko is excited to support the Sharks women’s team for the 2019 season. We are thrilled that these young women who love the game are becoming role models and are helping build a women's competition to make a career out of their passion,” Dawson said.
The NSWRL Harvey Norman Women’s competition is scheduled to get underway on the weekend of March 22-23, with a draw not yet available.
About EISS Super
Established in 1997, with origins dating back to 1919, EISS Super are committed to working hard for their members so they can enjoy the retirement lifestyle they deserve. EISS Super is a multi-award winning industry super fund, run only to benefit members. They deliver on their commitment to members – value for money, outstanding service, solid long-term investment returns and extensive community involvement. For more on EISS Super, go to https://www.eisuper.com.au/
About Gecko
Describing themselves as the ‘creative industry's best friend’, Gecko is a team of graphic installation specialists that take the stress out of delivering projects nationally and internationally. With dedicated installers across Australia and New Zealand, including a large regional network that look after our national rollout campaigns, Gecko’s experienced Project Manager will manage the entire process from site surveys and product recommendations through to post installation reports. Amongst the services Gecko provides, includes graphic installation, project management, display and exhibition, site survey and real time field management.
For more on Gecko, go to https://www.geckoprojects.net.au/
2019 Sharks EISS Super Women's Squad List
Tahina Booth
Georgie Brooker
Kaarla Cowan
Quincy Dodd
Sally Dwyer
Jessica Enright
Jade Etherden
Ariel George
Ashleigh Gray
Cheyanne Hatch
Talei Holmes
Kersal Johnson
Corban McGregor
Jess Middleton
Kate Mullaly
Analei Netzler
Olivia Patterson
Tiana Penitani
Tayla Preston
Ruan Sims
Eliza Stuart
Maddie Studdon
Kiana Takairangi
Grace Uluiburotu
Jamie-Ann Wright
Courtney Yasserie
