A pioneer of women’s rugby league, Tarsha Gale reached the pinnacle of the sport by captaining both Australia and NSW throughout the 1990s.

Since hanging up her boots, Gale has been a champion for women’s rugby league; encouraging participation, campaigning for funding, and nurturing young talent.The Tarsha Gale Cup – the NSWRL pathways competition named in her honour – is credited as a major stepping stone to the NRLW.

A gifted playmaker, Gale was in her early twenties when she moved away from netball to touch football and eventually tackle in the Wollongong competition.

In 1995, Gale was selected at halfback in the inaugural Australian women’s side that played the Kiwi Ferns and began touring each year to New Zealand, Fiji, and England. Gale played 15 Tests for the Jillaroos between 1995 and 2000, and is now a commentator for NRLW matches.

Tarsha Gale is the sister to both Brett Gale and Scott Gale RIP who played for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the 1980’s.