Five Play Her Way Athletes Earn Selection in Lisa Fiaola Cup Squad
As the third cohort of the Play Her Way program draws to a close the coaching team is proud to announce that five players from the 22 strong squad have earnt selection in the Under 17s Lisa Fiaola Cup. The achievement highlights the growing impact of grassroots initiatives designed to support and develop young female rugby league players.
Play Her Way was established to provide girls with access to the same quality of coaching, development, and opportunities traditionally afforded to their male counterparts. For many young athletes, the pathway to elite level competition has historically been unclear or uneven. Programs like this are bridging that gap by focusing on skills, safe technique, and confidence building from an early stage.
Erin Geddes, Play Her Way program lead“When young girls are given the same high-quality coaching and support as boys, they thrive, Programs like Play Her Way are essential in developing the confidence and technical foundations that open doors to higher-level pathways such as the Rabbitohs female squads.”
The success of five participants being called up to the Lisa Fiaola Cup squad reflects this. The competition is widely recognised as a stepping stone to professional and representative rugby league careers, and the achievement of these players is a testament to the effectiveness of early intervention programs.
By embedding safe and effective technique into training, the program also helps reduce injury risk, a common barrier that can discourage young females from continuing in contact sports. Confidence, skill development, and enjoyment remain at the core of the sessions, creating an environment where players feel empowered to push themselves.
Importantly, initiatives like Play Her Way are broadening the future of the female game. By giving girls the chance to access structured pathways earlier in their playing journey, the pool of talent available to clubs and representative teams expands significantly.
Alisha Parker-Elrez, CEO Souths Cares“Every year we’re seeing more girls not just staying in the game, but excelling. That’s exactly what Play Her Way is about making sure female athletes have the tools, coaching, and belief to chase their goals at the highest level.”
With five of its current players set to represent in the Lisa Fiaola Cup, the program’s third cohort is already leaving its mark, showing just how vital these initiatives are in shaping the future of women’s rugby league.
