Sydney Roosters NRLW star Jocelyn Kelleher has praised the inspirational work of staff at the Royal Hospital for Women after throwing her support behind the hospital's annual Royal Giving Day.
Kelleher was one of seven NRLW players to lend their time to the fundraiser for vital medical supplies, research and care for women, newborn babies and their families.
The group was taken on a tour of the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit and had the chance to interact with the families the donations will help support.
Staff and families were thrilled to meet the NRLW premiership winner, but Kelleher said it was inspiring to see the challenging and vital work being done at the hospital.
"People have said 'wow I'd love to get paid to play footy', but I think all the staff here are the real heroes," Kelleher told pan66.com. "We get to entertain those people but they're doing the real work and looking after these sick babies.
"They're literally giving them a life which they wouldn't have a chance without them.
"It was incredible to meet some of the mums as well, they're so inspiring. To see what they've gone through, yet they're still smiling and happy to have a chat is really inspiring. They can't be more thankful of all the staff here and the help they're getting."
Royal Giving Day is the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, with the charity hoping to raise $250,000 for the public hospital.
The NSW Government donated $50,000 on Wednesday morning, with the NRLW players and a host of staff and volunteers working the phones at the telethon-style event.
Kelleher was joined at the event by Roosters teammates Tyra Ekepati and Taneisha Gray, Dragons duo Indie Bostock and Ella Koster, and Sharks pair Emma Verran (nee Tonegato) and Jada Taylor.
All donations raised throughout the day will be matched by the Foundation's partners to double the total contribution.
Money raised will be used to support families across the state and Royal Hospital for Women Foundation CEO Elise Jennings praised the NRLW players for supporting women's health.
"The Royal is a public hospital," Jennings told pan66.com. "It is a cornerstone of the community, it provides accessible care for women and families when they need it most.
"Being public health there's no cost so the role the donations play helps us provide an outstanding level of care with the best equipment possible.
"The NRLW has been fantastic with their support. We are huge champions of women's sport and the NRLW is doing great things for women so we're thrilled to have them here.
"Great things happen when people come together so having the players get behind this and putting their voice and their teams to women's health means a lot to us."
