Women In League Award /

The 2026 State Nominations open soon!

As part of the NRL Community Awards presented by Westpac, the Women In League Award is presented to someone who has acted as an exceptional advocate for the advancement and opportunity of women in rugby league.

The winner's unique contributions will have raised awareness of women's involvement in rugby league, and will have played an active role in encouraging more girls and women to participate in the game.

2025 Women In League Award - Danielle Spence

As a dedicated Club Official at West Cowra, Danielle has been a driving force in advancing opportunities for women in Rugby League. Through her grassroots initiative, the She Matters Movement, Danielle has led the transformation of West Cowra Recreation Ground into a more inclusive space for female athletes.

Recognising the lack of appropriate facilities, Danielle took action, personally fundraising, navigating local bureaucracy, and collaborating with council, Crown Land, and other stakeholders. Her efforts culminated in the opening of new female change rooms in April 2025, a milestone that has already improved the experience of women and girls in the sport.

Danielle’s journey has not been without challenges. She faced outdated infrastructure, resistance to change, and unsuccessful grant applications. But she remained undeterred, raising funds and joining the Council’s Sport and Recreation Committee to ensure women’s sport was represented in planning decisions.

Her leadership has inspired a cultural shift in her community. Danielle leads by example, showing that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level. She has united diverse groups around a shared vision, empowered others to advocate for inclusion, and created a legacy that will benefit future generations of female players.