LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Nikki Cox reflects on her teenage years when she would have "given anything" to play rugby league alongside a team of girls.
Today, she is involved in a burgeoning program aimed at nurturing young female students who are passionate about football.
Ipswich State High School is one of nearly a dozen significant institutions across Queensland that provides a Rugby League School of Excellence.
The initiative offers not only elite coaching and physical training but also emphasizes the importance of students' academic achievements.
Ms. Cox, who previously played for the Ipswich Jets and is now a teacher, shared that she participated in the sport during her time as a student at Ipswich State High.
However, as the sole girl on her team, she missed out on substantial contact play.
Reflecting on her experience, she mentioned, "I could do the fitness and the touch games but was pretty limited." She added, "That's what drives the desire for me to keep improving, all the things I missed out on being a girl."