User:Tarsha Gale - Ignite Sports/sandbox

Tarsha Gale
Tarsha Gale (born September 21, 1966) is a former Australian rugby league player who enjoyed a successful career in both domestic and international competitions. She is a true trailblazer and one of the biggest icons in the history of Women’s rugby league.

Early Life
Gale was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and developed a passion for rugby league from a young age. She attended the prestigious Santa Sabina College where she began honing her rugby league skills.

From selling raffle tickets in pubs to raise enough funds for an Australian kit to represent her country in, to playing on grounds with cricket pitches and broken goalposts to being dared to tackle patrons in bars for support payments all while hiding that she was playing contact footy from her parents, Gale has seen and endured it all while laying the major foundation for today’s professional NRLW competition.

The younger sister of former first grade players Scott and Brett, Gale grew up in a rugby league mad household in Sydney’s Inner West. However, her dream to play at the highest level like her siblings always lacked a pathway.

Career
A halfback, Gale began playing in 1995 and captained her state and country before retiring after captaining Australia in the first Women’s  Rugby League World Cup in 2000 to continue her career as a teacher at Oakhill College while continuing to support the women’s game.

Her toil was recognised in 2017 by the New South Wales Rugby League with the formation of an under 18’s women’s competition, the Tarsha Gale Cup.

The competition represents the games commitment to female participation and was fittingly named by the person who embodies that commitment.

When asked what it means to her, Gale’s response was humble as always. “It brings a huge smile to my face that what I’ve always considered the greatest game of all now can be played by all.”

Gale remains involved in the game as a commentator and remains passionate about sharing her knowledge of the women’s game with the widest audiences possible.

Legacy
Gale's impact on women's rugby league is immeasurable, and she is considered a trailblazer in the sport. Her dedication, skill, and leadership helped raise the profile of women's rugby league and contributed to its growing popularity. In recognition of her contributions, the "Tarsha Gale Cup" was established in her honour, a junior women's rugby league competition in New South Wales.

Personal Life
Outside of rugby league, Tarsha Gale is involved in various charitable activities and youth development programs. She remains an influential figure in the sports world and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Achievements and Accolades
Tarsha Gale has played in 15 test matches for Australia:


 * 1995 Australia vs New Zealand 2 Test Series


 * 1996 Australia vs Great Britain 3 Test Series


 * 1997 Australia vs New Zealand 2 Test Series


 * 1998 Australia vs Fiji 2 Test Series


 * 1999 Australia vs New Zealand 3 Test series


 * 2000 1st Womens RL World Cup staged in Great Britain (3 test matches)

At a club level, Gale played for the inaugural South Sydney Women’s team between the years of 1996-2000 and captained them to two Premierships.