The Sharks Pathways and NRLW Wellbeing and Education Coordinator, Morgan Te Oka will be honoured during this week’s Women in League (WIL) round.
As the Sharks WIL ‘Role Model’, Te Oka’s image will feature during the broadcast when the Sharks play the Panthers on Saturday night in recognition of her tireless efforts in driving equality and opening greater opportunities for women across the game.
Jessica Macartney, Sharks Head of Community and Government Relation, celebrated Te Oka’s nomination in detailing some of the outstanding work she carries out in what is a crucial and often underappreciated part of the football operations at the Sharks.
“Morgan has been nominated for playing her part in driving equality in access to elite and professional programs for our inaugural NRLW team,” Macartney began.
“She has also worked tirelessly to ensure that the setup of our woman’s program is evidence based and tailored specifically to the needs of female athletes.
“Through her advocacy she has ensured a smooth transition for players relocating to Sydney and has assisted many of the women in their dual career pathways through study and meaningful employment,” Macartney said.
With the NRLW Sharks squad working or engaged in full time study in addition to their playing and training commitments, arranging a schedule that allows them the opportunity to excel both on and off the field can at times become challenging.
Which is where club Wellbeing and Education staff play a crucial role, with two of the Sharks NRLW squad who have relocated from across the Tasman to chase their sporting dreams, extremely appreciative in the role Te Oka has played in making their transition as seamless as possible.
“She was touching base when I was back home in New Zealand, answering all my questions, then when I got here she made sure the house was set up and we had everything we needed,” Sharks NRLW forward Harata Butler said.
“My son took to Morg’s, she was also a part time babysitter. She took on board that I’m not just a player, but a mum as well. And she got me teachers aid work at Sylvania Public School and has been checking in about that too. She goes above and beyond,” Butler added.
Young Sharks outside back Annessa Biddle had a similar story to tell, with Te Oka a huge help in making her feel at home in her first venture away from family and friends.
“She definitely helped to get me settled. I’m from Auckland, this is my first time out of New Zealand. She organised me a job, helped me get on my feet,” Biddle said.
Te Oka is just one of many women on the Sharks staff pivotal to the day-to-day operations and ultimate success of the club, carrying out work behind the scenes that can often go unrecognised, but not unappreciated by the many boys, girls, men and women who benefit from their expertise and dedication.
Lead photo - Morgan Te Oka (Centre) with members of the Sharks NRLW squad.
Below - Morgan Te Oka
