The Sydney Roosters NRLW have capped an unforgettable regular season by lifting the inaugural Nellie Doherty Shield, recognising the competition’s minor premiers.
Captain Isabelle Kelly and head coach John Strange received the award during the NRLW finals launch from Andrew Abdo, who praised the club’s remarkable consistency. While not over yet, there were some unforgettable moments this season.
The Roosters finished undefeated across all 11 games in 2025, stretching their winning streak to 17 consecutive matches dating back to last season. They equalled the highest NRLW score for a single game, both Isabelle Kelly and Keely Davis were among the first NRLW players to reach 50 games, and Joceyln Kelleher became the first NRLW player to hit 250 points.
The new shield bears the name of Nellie Doherty, a woman whose determination helped launch organised women’s rugby league over a century ago.
In May 1921, Doherty, alongside Molly Cane, wrote to the NSW Rugby League requesting assistance to create a women’s competition. Their letter outlined the success of women's soccer in England and France and how this would translate to similar success in Sydney. The NSW Rugby League initially dismissed Cane and Doherty’s proposal to support a women’s competition, calling the timing unsuitable. Just three days later, they reversed their decision, pledging full assistance to help form clubs and fixtures. Cane and Doherty quickly convened at NSWRL headquarters on Philip Street, outlining their plans.
By early June, more than 50 women crowded Philip Street to hear the NSWRL officially sanction the creation of a women’s rugby league competition in Sydney. Cheers erupted as districts were tallied. Eastern Suburbs, Souths, North Sydney, Newtown, Balmain, Glebe, St George, Wests. From these, five clubs were formed. Uniforms consisted of bathing caps to hold their hair in place, football jumpers, and shorts, which were, after some convincing, also approved. A committee was elected with Molly Cane as president and Nellie Doherty as treasurer.
NSWRL secretary Horrie Miller, once sceptical, now promised referees, possible access to the Sydney Showground, and training support. He even joked that an ambulance box might need “powder and paint,” prompting Cane’s quick retort that such things wouldn’t be necessary because “we are going to play football as the men play it.” Within weeks, the women had more than 100 players attending meetings, a training routine scheduled, and momentum surging.
Thanks to Nellie's perseverance in Sydney on Saturday, 17 September 1921, these pioneering women pulled on their makeshift uniforms and stepped onto suburban Sydney Showgrounds to play the first official Women’s Rugby League match in Australia, after months of determined training and organisation. The players were divided into two sides: Metropolitan Blues and Sydney Reds, with Metropolitan claiming a 21–11 victory. Reports describe packed sideline crowds, curious and sceptical, with an estimated 34,000 spectators in attendance, a record that turned heads across the sporting world. Among the standouts was 15-year-old Maggie Moloney, who dazzled with four tries and earned comparisons to Dally Messenger for her electrifying speed. Her performance silenced doubters and proved women’s rugby league could match the spectacle and excitement of the men’s game.
Doherty’s legacy has long been celebrated; however, the shield is now one of three awards in recognition of her, alongside the Nellie Doherty Cup, which has been the symbol of supremacy in the Women’s State of Origin, and the Nellie Doherty Medal is awarded to Origin’s standout player.
With the minor premiership secured and history made, the Roosters now enjoy a well-earned week off before heading into the preliminary finals.
