Leesa Gill has been around rugby league as long as she can remember. Having grown up watching her two brothers play every weekend, it seems only natural Leesa now has her own ‘footy mad family’ in which her husband and kids are consumed by the sport.
“I’ve been around the sport my whole life,” said Leesa. “For us, football is a family thing, it brings us all together.
“My two brothers played for many years, my husband played and we’ve spent every weekend watching our kids play, so my passion for rugby league naturally grew from there and it’s now a huge part of our lives.”
Given the family passion for the game, it was almost inevitable that Leesa’s sons would carry on this family dynasty.
“It has been a major part of our kids’ upbringing, both our boys have played rugby league and we went to all their games and loved it, they’re NRL fanatics.”
Celebrated throughout round 10 NRL matches last weekend, the Women in League Round celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of women in rugby league. The Titans host their annual Women in League lunch this Friday to continue the theme and will have a record attendance of around 400.
Having seen and experienced the critical role of women in the sport, Lees says the celebration is a great initiative by the NRL.
“I think it is fantastic that women are being recognized in rugby league,” she said.
“It is amazing the NRL have created this opportunity to acknowledge the work of women, as it sometimes goes unrecognised.
“There are lots of women who are really passionate about this sport, and it is important for rugby league to harness and embrace that passion, I think the NRL have done a great job of that this round.”
Leesa’s passion for football and family has naturally stemmed into the family business, TFH Hire Services, who are proud sponsors of the Gold Coast Titans and avid rugby league fans. Her husband Gary (pictured above with Leesa) is also been involved in the company for many years.
“We had 12 staff members from work attend my son's game on the weekend, that’s something I get a real thrill out of,” Leesa added.
“We are a family business with over 300 employees, I go to work every day and work with all my family, all of whom obviously love rugby league.
“As a result, we get a lot of pride in seeing the name of our family business on the Titans’ jersey, our family is very proud that.”
Leesa and nine others from TFH will attend Friday’s lunch and they will be in their element among the many women who play a role in the sport, and have a passion for it.
“I’m looking forward to meeting different people involved at the club, whenever we get an opportunity to network at these events we always have a good time, particularly as the focus of this lunch is important to rugby league.”
