Maiden captain among first women in NRL's Hall of Fame

Australia's maiden Jillaroos captain Natalie Dwyer will headline the first-ever class of women's players to be inducted into the NRL's Hall of Fame.

Officials confirmed on Thursday six women will enter the league's Hall of Fame, in an historic move for the game.

Dwyer will be the first officially inducted, along with Katrina Fanning, Tarsha Gale, Veronica White, Karyn Murphy and Tahnee Norris.

“This class includes some of the great trailblazers of women’s rugby league," ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys said. 

"They all significantly helped to put women’s Rugby League is in the strong position it is today."

The group represents the NRL's first pick of players from prior to the start of the semi-professional NRLW era.

Dwyer was Australia's captain for their maiden Test in 1995 against New Zealand and went on to play 26 matches for the Jillaroos.

Fanning and Gale were also part of that inaugural Jillaroos side and each remain among the highest-profile and most influential figures in the women's game.

Murphy is one of the most influential people in rugby league with the 28-Test Jillaroo having long sat as the head of the integrity unit before taking Gold Coast to last year's NRLW grand final.

Norris played 33 Tests for Australia before making a name for herself as Queensland's State of Origin coach, while White featured in 17 Tests.

“Women’s rugby league is as popular as it is now because of the efforts of the inductees," V'landys added.

“Each of them has also continued to play a significant role in the game after retirement.

“With the NRLW and women’s game flying, it is critical as a game that we pay tribute to those who have dug the well."

The group's rise to Hall of Fame status comes after the NRL previously announced 11 men's players, two referees, two administrators, two coaches and two broadcasters in recent weeks.

Each of the group will be officially inducted next Wednesday night, when the game's 14th Immortal is also revealed.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store