The Queensland women’s rugby league team will be rightfully known as the Maroons, the Premier announced today.
Annastacia Palaszczuk said the decision by the Queensland Rugby League to formally identify the State Women’s Rugby League team as the Maroons was important for equality in women’s sport.
“Our men’s teams have donned the name and the mighty Maroons jersey for years,” she said.
“This decision to officially adopt the name for both men’s and women’s state teams clearly recognises that the women’s competition is keenly followed and fought with equal passion.
“Queenslanders know the dedication and honour that goes with representing our state, and appropriately now the women’s team officially share the Maroon identity.”
The Premier, who will also be the team’s number member for 2019, said this year’s women’s State of Origin match will be played in Sydney on June 21 and the team would be known as the QLD Maroons.
“So whether it’s the men’s or women’s team in this year’s games – go the Maroons!”
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said today’s announcement made her proud to be a rugby league fan.
“The successes of the Maroons belong to all Queenslanders. It’s only right that our female elite athletes get to share in the glory of the Maroons brand,” she said.
“Today is a great day for women’s sport in Queensland and shows that we remain ahead of the curve when it comes to encouraging female athletes to pursue a career in our game.
“I can’t wait to see what the Maroons achieve over the next couple of years.”
Queensland Rugby League Managing Director Robert Moore said it was an exciting time to be involved in women’s rugby league.
“Last year we witnessed a number of ground-breaking firsts for female participation with the staging of the Harvey Norman ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Championships, Holden Women’s Premiership and of course the historic Origin clash in Sydney,” he said.
“These were all significant events and it is testament to the work and commitment of our female rugby league pioneers, as well as the game’s current leaders who share this passion.
“Female club registrations grew by 24 per cent last year. This was a terrific result for the game; and I’m sure many more girls will be inspired to play our game and represent the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons following today’s announcement by the Premier.”
