For Wests Tigers Head of Community Akanisi Ledua, the journey into working in rugby league was far from traditional.
As Harvey Norman Women in League Round celebrates its 20th year, the Wests Tigers are shining a spotlight on the women whose dedication behind the scenes makes a lasting impact on both our Club and community.
Growing up in West Auckland, New Zealand, Ledua played rugby union and is a high school PDHPE teacher by profession.
A friendship made while playing rugby union for Concord Oval neighbours, the West Harbour Pirates, led Ledua to the Wests Tigers, with then Head of People and Culture (now Head of Women's Football) Charmain Steventon encouraging her to apply for a role helping shape the Club's Empower community programs.
“This role came up, they were looking for someone to help write the Empower programs," she said.
"There was already a really good foundation there, but my job was to help make it something unique for the Club and for Wests Tigers.
"It didn't take me long to understand the history, the culture and what the Club is building. Everything I'd learned through teaching and growing up in New Zealand aligned really nicely with the program and the communities we work with.
"I grew up in a community that is very similar to that of the ones we work in, so I understand some of the challenges the young people we work with face."
For her, a ‘student first’ approach means ensuring every person feels valued.
"When young people feel seen and valued, that's when you can really unlock their potential," said the former teacher.
"In high school I was told that there wasn’t much for me to achieve after I left school. That could have changed the direction of my life, but instead it became motivation to change the narrative.
"I never want young people to feel limited by what someone else says about them.
"Our programs are built around relationships. When what you're teaching is meaningful and relatable, that's where genuine impact happens."
As the women's game grows, she also sees the increasing presence of women throughout the Club as something worth celebrating.
"I never imagined I'd end up working in professional sport," she said.
"But from the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into the space.
"It's really empowering to see so many women throughout the Club. Women bring passion, understanding and a real heart for people, and when that's combined with everyone else across the organisation, it creates something really special."
She says the growth of the women's game has also strengthened the Club's ability to connect with young girls.
"Women's sport is growing, and we're seeing more schools wanting programs specifically for girls," she said.
"Being able to deliver those programs under the Wests Tigers banner makes a real difference.
"We want young women to leave with leadership skills, confidence and knowledge they can use well beyond sport. Knowing the Club supports that makes the work even more meaningful."
One of the most rewarding parts of the role is working alongside Wests Tigers NRLW players, whose involvement leaves a lasting impression on students.
"Our NRLW players share their journeys and show young people that they're not just elite athletes; they are people who were once sitting in those same classrooms,” she said
"Their presence in schools makes a huge difference, and it's really special to work alongside them as they give back to the community."
