It wasn't that long ago when rugby league was a only a game for boys and men.
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Boy, has that changed.
The Parkes Marist Junior Rugby League Club has had a hugely successful 2021 season - with all teams making finals - and one such example of that success is the girls under 17s Junior League Tag (JLT) side.
Dave Simpson, who coaches the side, and assists Spacecats captain-coach India Draper, said earlier this week that he has absolutely loved his time coaching the girls.
"It's pretty rewarding because they are such a good side, very competitive...and the girls have all improved out of sight in the last three years I've been coaching," he said.
"They set very high standards for themselves, and like most teams there is always a few who are really competitive and drag everyone else along with them.
"Jorja Simpson, Macy Morrison and Charli Robinson, who is a real toiler, are some of those girls and they've been brilliant this year," said Simpson.
And those rising stars have a couple of perfect role models.
Former Spacie second rower Talesha Quinn, who has played for both NSW and Australia, is one.
Spacecats captain-coach India Draper, an electric fullback who Simpson maintains is the 'best player in the competition,' is the other.
"Some of the girls have looked up to India and been looking forward to playing with her for many years," said Simpson.
"When they're on the field with India, they just want to play better for her."
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"All the girls would be disappointed if we weren't able to play finals.
"They know how good of a team they are and would love to play in a grand final, but we'll just have to wait and see," said Simpson.
If they aren't able to get their chance at the 2021 title, things are looking up for 2022, with the bulk of the side able to return.
"Macy Morrison is the only one in the side that is too old, so that is fantastic for the girls looking towards next year," Simpson said.
One of the things that has stood out for Simpson as well this season have been the numbers, which are getting better year after year.
"It probably goes all the way back to the under 14s...we've just got a real stand-out group of girls playing at the moment.
"The club is doing really well especially with the numbers.
"There's about 24 or so under 14s, in the under 11s I'd estimate about 18 and our side has about 15 this year, give or take," said Simpson.
According to the NSW Rugby League (NSWRL), the number of female participants registered for NSWRL competitions this season has gone past 20,000 for the first time in history.
The NRLW competition, which is set to kick off in October, has also expanded to six teams: the Eels, Titans, Knights, Broncos, Dragons and Roosters.
The fact that it will coincide with the Western Women's Rugby League tackle competition gives girls, and women, a great pathway.
Rugby league is a game for all shapes and sizes, and there is no time more exciting than now to rip in and give it a go.
You won't regret it girls!
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