To celebrate the National Rugby League’s (NRL) 2017 Women in League round, Steggles, major sponsor of the Sydney Roosters, will pay tribute to the women who have supported and helped shape the athletes we admire.
During the Roosters’ Round 20 match against the Newcastle Knights on Friday, July 21, the Steggles logo, which has traditionally featured across the chest of the iconic Roosters jersey since 2010, will be replaced with the name of the most influential woman in each player’s life.
Roosters players have nominated one of these inspirational women; some have chosen to honour their mother or grandmother, others their wife or partner.
Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary, whose jersey proudly reads ‘Dianne’, in tribute of his mother, said: “We’re all so excited about this initiative by Steggles. I wouldn’t be where I am without my mother, Dianne, and I’m proud to be able to honour her this way. Mum has always put me and my brothers first, and has made a lot of sacrifices over the years to give us boys the opportunity to pursue our goals, so this is really special.”
Dianne said: “I’m very proud of Luke, as I am of all my boys, and when I found out that Luke would be wearing a jersey with my name on it, I was incredibly moved. It’s such a lovely idea and I’m just so touched.”
Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves said of his wife, Chelsea: “Chelsea has been with me since day one, and I’m incredibly grateful and thankful to have her by my side. It’s important to have a support network around us, and I definitely have that – Chelsea has always been there for me and I can’t wait to run out in a jersey with her name on it.”
The initiative is to recognise the expansive role women play in rugby league during the NRL’s annual Women in League round.
Established in 2007, the Women in League program aims to include women and celebrate their growing role in the code. Over 450,000 females have a connection with rugby league whether it is as players and family, employees, volunteers, club members or administrative staff. Without them, the game would not be as we know it today.
Simon Camilleri, CEO of Steggles said: “We are thrilled to support the players as they honour the women that have made their success possible.”
Joe Kelly, CEO of the Sydney Roosters said: “We appreciate Steggles providing this unique opportunity for our players to salute the significant role of females across our game, and also more personally, by enabling each player to acknowledge the support of a female in their lives. This is a terrific initiative, and we’re incredibly proud to be a part of it.”
