Sam Cross with her mother Carol during cross country training and Em Banks at her formal. The pair will represent Harden and the Canberra Raiders in 2017.
In a landmark day for women’s rugby league in the ACT, the Canberra Region Rugby League, the first ever Canberra Raiders women’s team, will compete in the 2017 Tarsha Gale Cup. The Tarsha Gale Cup is a nine a side tournament for women at the under 18 level and will coincide with the Harold Matthews Cup under 16’s and SG Ball Cup under 18’s men’s seasons from 2017 in the NSW rugby league. A try out was held on December 13 with two of our very own local ladies successful in selectiion for the squad. General Manager of Canberra Region and Community Rugby League Mark Vergano said the introduction of a Canberra Raiders women’s team was a huge boost for the game in the region, with females having the opportunity to pull on the Raiders jersey for the first time. “It’s wonderful to see the NSW rugby league embracing the women’s game and giving young women the opportunity to represent the Raiders,” Vergano said. “For many years the pathway for women wanting to take the next step in their rugby league journey had been a tough one, but with competitions like this we will hopefully see women from Canberra playing the game they love and aspiring to be the next Jillaroo.” “For those women and girls who fall outside the age level of this competition we ask you to contact your local club or the CRL about registering to play in the various competitions we have in place for women of all ages in 2017.” Sam said “It’s great to see the women’s game starting to get bigger and bigger and one day hopefully we’ll be able to play professionally as well.” Em said “The trial was intense but really good. I only knew Sam so we automatically paired up in all activities but also made a ton of new friends which was nice. There was about 30-40 girls who participated and only 20 made the squad. Pre-season starts in January which should be good and I’m really excited and keen to play for Raiders and Sam is in the same boat.” The Raiders would like to thank everyone who registered and particpated in the trial and wish them all the best for their upcoming seasons.
