From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge.
These are the words that sum up the focus of International Women's Day in 2021 and a group of young Titans women are doing just that.
Layne Northey, Faith Tutauha and Ebony Laing are all a part of the Gold Coast Titans JTS Women's Academy and, playing in a traditionally male-dominated sport, they have had to fight their way into their current position within the sport.
In January the Titans fielded an under 19's women's team to take on the Knights in Coffs Harbour.
It was the first ever under 19s women's team for the Titans and Club Captain, Jamal Fogarty said it was a massive achievement for the club.
"They're making history," Fogarty said.
"(this is the) first ever under 19's women's team for the Gold Coast Titans and that's massive for our Club."
The significant moment wasn't lost on the young women either.
"Putting on the Titans jersey, I think for all of us was very exciting and a big achievement in our sporting careers," Ebony Laing said.
"I think we were very humbled and very grateful to have the opportunity to play as well," added Layne Northey.
"The pathways that the Titans are providing with their development programs for the young ones, will hopefully help us make our NRLW debut," said Faith Tutauha.
The ladies acknowledged the challenges they have faced during their careers to date, but can see the positives in over-coming adversity.
"Some of the challenges that we have faced through our rugby league growing up is that there were no girls or women's teams available when we were just starting - until we were about 16 (years old)," Northley said.
"I think the bond that we have (is special).
"We don't know half the people we play against, but at the end of the game we are all friends."
And what message do the trio have for the next generation of women coming through rugby league?
"To the younger girls, just be confident in yourself, keep pushing, there is going to be a solid pathway for you soon," said Laing.
March 8 celebrates International Women's Day
Find more information here - www.internationalwomensday.com/
A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So let's all choose to challenge (via: internationalwomensday.com). #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021
