IN the second week of September the National Rugby League Holden Women's Premiership (NRLW) competition kicks-off with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) well represented across Australia's NRLW clubs.
The ADF joins the National Rugby League in wishing this year's NRLW competitors the best for the 2019 season.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester has launched a video showcasing what motivates women to represent their sport and their country across the NRLW and ADF.
The video shares the stories of Brisbane Broncos, Leading Aircraft Woman (LACW) Meg Ward, former St George Illawarra Dragons, Private (PTE) Talesha Quinn, Australian Jillaroos and Sydney Roosters Simaima Taufa; and up-and-coming Leading Seaman (LS) Shannon Evans, who represented the ADF at the 2019 Harvey Norman Women's National Championships.
"These women are at the top of their game, they're professional, physically tough team players," Mr Chester said.
"As the NRLW enters its second season it is great to see ADF women well represented across the growing sport.
'Women in the ADF and NRLW demonstrate that through hard work, skill and ability it's possible to take on new challenges, and achieve goals.
"In the ADF women deploy to combat zones; support peacekeeping missions; help communities devastated by natural disaster, and engage in search and rescue operations.
"LS Evans, a Navy Physical Training Instructor, spends her days ensuring her team is strong and performing at its best; PTE Quinn is trained to manage supplies, vital to Army capability; and LACW Ward provides aircraft rescue and fire-fighting services at RAAF Base Amberley.
"With the NRLW in its infancy these women are challenging themselves every day, working, playing football, demonstrating athleticism, teamwork and leadership.
"Military training builds confidence, team work skills, fitness and friendships. We can offer women a career path that value adds to their game, their lives and their future potential."
Today women make up 18.6 percent of the permanent ADF. Women's Rugby League has also experienced record participation growth in recent years; with participation increasing 27 percent in 2018/19.
Video is available: https://vimeo.com/thestorylab/review/346321065/5b91dd14d6
