The phasing out of NRL cheerleaders comes at a time when women have never been more welcome in the game.
The rise of women s rugby league - culminating in the NRLW competition and standalone State of Origin matches - has added a rich new chapter to the sport in recent years.
Employment opportunities now exist in areas where they once didn t and women have a growing voice ranging from weekend junior footy to the ARL Commission.
The same cannot be said about cheerleaders - a topic that will never be as black-and-white as many think it is.
Are the decisions to phase out cheerleaders a result of the behaviour of some of those who watch them? Or has the time come when they simply no longer fit in with the game s values?
by Nick Walshaw
Premium Content
Subscriber only The first time Natalie Sinclair was asked to stay quiet about cheerleading, she was three years into a law degree. Sure, on Sundays she was shaking pompoms for the Penrith Panthers but, given her $100 pay cheque covered not only game day but rehearsals, ambassador visits, everything - she considered the money well-earned. Her regular visits to hospitals, coaching clinics, even just leaning over the fence to interact with complete strangers was all helping shape this Sydneysider who, now 27, works as a litigation lawyer for international firm Clyde and Co. But back then what really mattered to Sinclair was being part of the game.
by Nick Walshaw
Premium Content
Subscriber only The first time Natalie Sinclair was asked to stay quiet about cheerleading, she was three years into a law degree. Sure, on Sundays she was shaking pompoms for the Penrith Panthers but, given her $100 pay cheque covered not only game day but rehearsals, ambassador visits, everything - she considered the money well-earned. Her regular visits to hospitals, coaching clinics, even just leaning over the fence to interact with complete strangers was all helping shape this Sydneysider who, now 27, works as a litigation lawyer for international firm Clyde and Co. But back then what really mattered to Sinclair was being part of the game.