Wests Tigers Harvey Norman Women’s team is a finalist in the ‘team of the year’ category at tonight's 2022 NSW Sports Awards.
The honour follows the team’s golden-point grand final win over Cronulla Sharks at Campbelltown Sports Stadium in July, which earned Wests Tigers a maiden NSW Women’s Premiership title.
The NSW Sports Team of the Year Award, however, is about much more than on-field success.
The judging also takes into consideration several other aspects about the team, and its overall success.
It looks at the role the team played in talent progression at the club, its effect on grass roots participation, the growing profile and recognition of its players, and how it engaged with its local community.
On all these fronts, Wests Tigers Harvey Norman Women’s team has excelled.
Team Manager Jessica Schwartz has recently taken up a position at Wests Tigers as Pathways Operations Manager. Schwartz previously spent countless hours volunteering her time to help our Harvey Norman Women’s team to be the best it could be.
Jess was nominated as Wests Tigers’ Ambassador for NRL Women in League Round in 2022, and was also named Wests Tigers Woman of the Year at the club’s Kelly-Barnes Awards night.
Schwartz believes the team’s success, on and off the field in 2022, played a key role in the club being admitted to the NRLW in 2023.
“There are so many reasons to sing the praises about this team and these players,” said Schwartz.
They are passionate about setting an example for young women.
Jess Schwartz
"They selflessly give up their time to engage with our community at charity events, hospital visits, kids’ clinics and more.”
When asked about the team’s role in talent progression and player pathways at the club, Schwartz provided some glowing stats.
“About 90% of this year’s team were local juniors, including Campbelltown twins Emily and Sophie Curtain,” said Schwartz.
We also had players make their HNW debuts who came through our Tarsha Gale (U/19s) team, including Balmain junior Imogen Gobran and Leumeah local, Losana Lutu.”
Schwartz says Lutu is a classic example of talent progression.
"Losana made her Harvey Norman debut with Wests Tigers, she was selected for the NSW U/19s State of Origin team and was one of eight of our players picked up by NRLW clubs in 2022.”
Schwartz says the premiership-winning team’s on-field success in 2022 is more than matched by its off-field endeavours.
“These players are ambassadors for Wests Tigers and rugby league who continue to drive awareness and make positive social change,” she said.
The club proudly celebrates the team’s success.
Jess Schwartz
"I am sure this was a major factor in Wests Tigers being granted an NRLW license next year.”
Head of Pathways at Wests Tigers is Matthew Betsey, who is equally proud of the the team's achievements.
He says there is a clear link between their off-field work and growth in grass roots participation.
"They are all heavily invested in community programs to drive participation," said Betsey.
At a recent clinic run by our women's team there were more than one hundred girls involved."
Head of Pathways, Matthew Betsey
Our team is in pretty good company in the ‘best team’ category with the likes of NRL Premiers, Penrith Panthers and NBL Champions, Sydney Kings, also in contention.
NSW Sports Awards Team of the Year finalists
| Team | Sport |
|---|---|
| Australian Junior Men’s Coxed Four | Rowing |
| NSW Women’s Origin Team | Rugby League |
| Penrith Panthers | Rugby League |
| North Cronulla Open Beach Relay Team | Surf Lifesaving |
| Sydney Kings | Basketball |
| Wests Tigers Women's Team | Rugby League |
The 2022 NSW Sports Awards are NSW’s highest sports honours and the 12 category winners will be revealed at the prestigious rebel NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour on Monday, November 28.
The new seasons for our HNW team and our Tarsha Gale Cup side (U/19’s) commence in March, 2023.
2023 will also see Wests Tigers field a team in the NRLW for the very first time.
