Sharks band together for Women in League Round

In the spirit of Women in League Round, the NRL and NRLW Sharks squads have come together to honour the irreplaceable ladies in their lives and inspire the next generation of female athletes.

This week's theme is Seeing is Believing, with Cronulla's NRL team marking the momentous occasion against the Rabbitohs at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night while the NRLW side tackle the Eels at Allianz Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

On Thursday, female Sharks administration staff were invited to a special event where Bridget Bradhust, the Head of Advocacy and Support at Ovarian Cancer Australia, gave an educational talk raising awareness of the disease.

As the first charity partner of Women in League Round, Ovarian Cancer Australia will receive $1000, thanks to Harvey Norman and the rugby league community, for every goal kicked at three select games, including the Sharks-Souths clash.

Later that day, staff surprised the NRLW squad with heartfelt gifts before training to thank them for their trailblazing contributions to the club and the sport.

The acknowledgement of the array of incredible women involved in rugby league will continue at Saturday night's home game with a range of initiatives, including a purple dot replacing the customary black dot in the middle of the crossbar.

"On behalf of the Sharks NRL squad, I just want to say a big thank you to all the women involved in our game," NRL captain Cameron McInnes said.

"From the mums, partners, daughters, helpers, everybody involved... we appreciate your work and we're so grateful to have you in our great game."

NRLW skipper Tiana Penitani added: "We would just like to thank all the special women in our lives. All of the women in league, from the volunteers to the administration staff, the referees, the mums, the aunties, grandmas...

"All of the wonderful women – a big thank you.

"We love you and appreciate everything that you do."

NRLW players' advice to the next generation

Tiana Penitani: "The message that I would send to young girls aspiring to play rugby league is that every athlete starts with a dream as a little girl. The journey isn't always easy, but it's definitely worth it if you work hard and chase your dreams."

Cassie Staples: "My advice to the next generation would be to embrace failure. Let it become your best friend. With every setback and challenge there's an opportunity to learn and grow. Failure's a part of the journey, so it's not about how you fail but how you rise and respond every time you do. It builds character and resilience."

Andie Robinson: "The best part about playing footy is inspiring the next generation of young girls coming through. It's such an exciting time, there are so many opportunities now and they're only going to get bigger and better."

Rhiannon Byers: "Being a country kid, I understand the long drives and sacrifices that we have to make. It doesn't matter where you're from, just keep striving and achieving your dreams."

Jada Taylor: "If I could give advice to my younger self or to the younger generation now, I'd just say to be happy in what you do, do what makes you happy. You're always going to be a better version of you while you're happy, so keep a smile on your face and do what you love."

Tegan Dymock: "Just remember never to give up and to chase your dreams."

Georgia Ravics: "I love inspiring the next generation of players and showing them there's a pathway to the top level."

Annessa Biddle: "I would say surround yourself with the right people who help you and motivate you to reach those goals. And I guess hard work and dedication come into play as well."

Emma Tonegato: "Build a really supportive team around you and make sure you look after yourself on and off the field. Make sure you look after your mental health as well, because I think that's a really important piece of the puzzle."

Stephanie Faulkner: "Say yes. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Good things come when you step outside your zone. Any opportunity that comes your way, any experience, any advice, I'd just say, say yes."

NRL players pay tribute to the women in their lives

Cameron McInnes: "I just want to give a big shout-out to my beautiful partner Rachel, who's been with me for 11 years now through everything. My absolute rock. And then our little baby girl Mia, daddy's little princess. I love you more than anything and you're the reason why I play."

Ronaldo Mulitalo: "I want to give a big shout-out to my mumma back home in Ipswich. I love you for everything you've done for me since I was a little kid. And also to my partner that helps me keep myself together and deals with all my 'sookiness' after games and all the highs and the lows. Love you very much."

Tom Hazelton: "This Women in League Round, I'd like to give a shout-out to my mum, firstly. She's been with me every step of the way, continues to support me and I wouldn't be here without you, so I love you mum. Also, my partner at home who helps me get prepared for the game every weekend. I love you for everything you do for me. Thank you."

Toby Rudolf: "This is a quick shout-out to my mother Susan for Women in League Round. Mum, I love you. Thank you for walking me to all the games and trainings and giving up your weekends and your valuable time. Even cooking me all my dinners as well from the age of zero to 26 when I moved out."

Teig Wilton: "Shout out to my mum for Women in League Round. I definitely couldn't do what I do without the women in my life and no one is more important than my mum."

Royce Hunt: "I just want to give a shout-out to my wife Shavaun. Thank you for everything you've done for me, keeping me on track to get to where we are today. I obviously wouldn't be here without you. I love you. Thank you for everything."