MISSING PIECE OF THE PUZ’L’
Since its inception, Leaguetag, as an avenue for women to be apart of the Griffith Waratahs Rugby League Club was established into Group 20 NRL during its first season of 2007.
The most prominent lady figures on the field of the first Waratah Tigers earning their stripes were:
- 1. Shayln Williams
- 2. Doris Wade
- 3. Lele Katoa
- 4. Cheri Williams-Little
- 5. Arieta Laweloa
- 6. Chynna Clark
It was during these early years, the Ladies Team experienced their first, as what was considered a success of placing 3rd overall and narrowly missing out on a grand final appearance due to a lack of availability of players.
The game gave our Griffith’s Waratahs’ Rugby Community a sense of belonging regardless of any discriminatory status’s. It was because of Leaguetag, Women participants were slowly being accepted, acknowledged and recognised as equals and this developed the club into what was once considered and is still a family unit of people.
The local derby between Griffith Waratahs’ and Black and Whites has been one of the traditions to commemorate Launching’ the Rugby League season for the rest of the game and always brought out the passion of ‘more than just a game’ for people, players and spectators locally.
Over the League tag seasons the game has developed modifying rules and field of play to incorporate, accommodate and introduce League. Griffith Waratahs’ continues to manage and successfully team an Open Ladies League tag every year due the successful junior program. It has been a regular program to introduce younger players into the big leagues when their talents, skills instilling sportsmanship is greater than winning a game of grit as is inarguably the clubs reputation is and has
changed to a culture of heart and soul over the last 65 years.
The legacy of the Women’s League tag Program is still being written and becoming accommodating for anyone who continues to volunteer and be a part of a successful club that is at every capacity.