1. What is your involvement in the game of rugby league, and how long have you been involved now?

I have been working for Southern Zone Rugby League for the last three years. Along side this, I have also been involved in voluntary roles as the Secretary for Otago Rugby League, Manager of the Otago 15s, Manager of the South Island Scorpion 17s, workforce coordinator for the Rugby League World Cup and Hub Manager for the NZRL South Island/ Wellington Talent Development Programme.

2. Why do you choose to be involved in this sport?

I love the sport and the people involved with it.

3. What do you do outside of rugby league?

I am also heavily involved in Netball in Dunedin. I oversee University Albion Netball club which has 11 teams from Premier A grade to social. I played my last year of premier netball in 2017.

I also have three children (all boys) that keep me busy, coaching futsal, rippa rugby and touch as well as managing the Alhambra Rugby Union Under 11s.

4. Did you previously play the sport yourself? Or do you currently play, alongside your other involvements?

I have played one game of rugby league. 2017 I played for the Woolston Rams (even scored a try on debut) and loved every second of it! There isn’t a women’s competition in Dunedin at the moment, but I am hoping we can get something up and running in 2019.

5. What has been a highlight, or some of the highlights, during your involvement in the game?

In 2016 I managed the South Island Scorpion 17s. For the first time ever at National Youth Tournament we made the Top 4. That in its self was a massive achievement. We went on to beat competition favourites Counties Manukau in the semi finals. Probably one of the greatest games of league I’ve watched. The boys played so hard and deserved that win.

I really enjoy the work that I do with the youth. It’s awesome to watch them grow and develop and achieve their goals, not just in rugby league but in their lives outside of league too.

6. What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved in rugby league, whether it be playing or volunteering or any other involvement with the sport?

It is an awesome game to play, really easy to pick up, and the ultimate competitors sport. The community is a great one to be a part of also.

7. How do you think rugby league has a positive impact on your community?

The “More than Just a Game” aspect to the sport makes the league community an awesome one to be a part of. Programmes such as Champion club (partnering with the It’s Not OK campaign), State of Mind (suicide Prevention). Clubs are really supportive to their members and their wider community and so many of them are active in the “more than just a game” space.

8. Do you have a favourite team? NRL, local, or otherwise?

You have to support the Warriors (no matter how hard it is). Also, quite keen on the Brisbane Broncos.

9. Do you have anything else to add? Any interesting happenings during your time in the sport? Any shout outs to make to important people in the sport that have helped you along the way?

I have met some awesome people in my time in Rugby League who bring their skills to the game. Paddy Byrne, Development Officer on the West Coast knows more about the game then anyone else. He’s got a story about everything and so much knowledge that he is so willing to share.

Jasmine Tuli from the Linwood Keas, a tireless worker who gives up so much of her time to support youth in the game. Fipe from He Tauaa who has embraced the “It’s Not OK” campaign and taken huge strides in leading her club through the Campion Club programme.

And all the boys I’ve worked with during my time in the Scorpions and youth development programmes that work so hard to achieve their goals. Would hate to name names because I don’t like having favourites!

10. Funniest incident you have seen or been a part of during your involvement with the game?

All of those road trips I have had with scorpion boys, Dunsandel, Glenavy, GPS in Christchurch, Dad jokes, press ups on side of the road, Ice Cream obsessions, hospital visits…. they’ll know what I am talking about.