The First Nations Gems are taking part in the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships this week, showcasing the next wave of Indigenous women’s rugby league stars.
The team, made up of players from regional and remote areas, provides an opportunity for First Nation athletes to develop a stronger sense of cultural identity as well as progress their rugby league careers.
A special moment at the Harvey Norman Women's Championships
Two women who have blazed a trail in this arena are pioneers of the game like Tallisha Harden and Bec Young, who were both part of the recent Women’s Indigenous All Stars success, as a player and as a coach.
Last month, co-captain Harden – who made her All Stars debut in 2014 – made her seventh appearance in the team, one short of Young, who continues to hold the record for most appearances.
“I would have had her if I hadn’t missed the last two with injury!” Harden said with a laugh.
“But it's massive; I was actually looking at the list of playing numbers associated with all the girls who have played through our program and some of the names that you see are just absolute legends of the game.
“Just to be even considered up there with some of those girls is a real honour, a real privilege and something I don't ever take for granted. It's just such a special feeling.”
Young, like Harden served as captain of the All Stars side before coming on board as an assistant coach, working with Jess Skinner, who recently made history as the first female head coach of an All Stars team.
Harden - who has also expressed interest in representing America in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers - also said as a younger player coming through the ranks, Young was an inspiration.
“She's a massive role model of mine actually and a mentor,” Harden said.
“What she does at home in her community as an archaeologist and someone who works on her country to preserve and educate others about culture, it's massive.
“I don't think that should be understated; her impact community-wide.
“In our program, she's an Aunty, someone we all look up to and she's got a great footy brain on her, I honestly think she's a halfback in a prop’s body and I've told her that.
“She's just so smart and either way; if I'm one behind or I'm equal, I'm happy to be there.
"But it's only a matter of time before Quincy [Dodd] or Shaylee [Bent] get us, they’re coming red hot for us.”
