One of the biggest names in women's rugby league will return to the Sharks in 2023, with Ruan Sims signing on as both head coach of the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership side and an assistant coach of the inaugural NRLW side.
A pioneer of the Women’s game, the signing marks yet another historic moment for Sims, the first female player to ever sign a Rugby League player contract, most recently recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to rugby league in 2021.
"I'm excited for this new challenge," said Sims
"The women's game is growing and strengthening at such a rapid pace and I'm incredibly proud to have a role in such an historic moment for the Sharks".
A dual international, Sims represented Australia and NSW in rugby union before switching to rugby league. In addition to 12 Tests for the Australian Jillaroos, Sims’ impressive career has seen her represent New South Wales, the NRL All Stars and New South Wales Country.
She has also captained the NSW State of Origin side and was captain of the Jillaroos team which won the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Instrumental in the rapid growth of the women’s game over the last decade, the next chapter in Sims’ remarkable story is ready to be written as she turns her hand to coaching in the HNWP and NRLW, after stints as head coach of the NSW Country Women’s Open Age side and as an assistant coach with the NSW Sky Blues team over the last two years.
"The opportunity to bring Ruan back to the club is something we are all really excited about," Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.
"Ruan’s appointment as both the Harvey Norman women’s head coach and our NRLW assistant coach not only bolsters and strengthens our commitment to female players, but also adds a wealth of experience and knowledge in developing our coaching staff as well”.
The Sharks NRLW pre-season will begin in May.
