While Karyn Murphy was getting her side ready in Canberra for a final round finals showdown with the Canberra Raiders last night, Titans CEO Steve Mitchell was on hand to collect her latest award.
In what has already been an incredible career to date, Murphy was awarded the 'Champion of Sport' award at the Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year Awards last night.
The annual ceremony recognises women who go above and beyond to make our community and the Gold Coast a better place.
This year’s celebration attracted hundreds of impressive contenders, of which 27 finalists were named.
A total of 11 gongs were handed out to nine inspiring women during a glittering awards ceremony at The Star Gold Coast.
During his acceptance speech Mitchell said it was time for the game to consider the elevation of Murphy to the games highest honour - being recognised as an immortal.
Murphy played 15 season for the Australia in an era where it was self-funded and was the captain of the side for 14 of those years.
Currently she is the director of female rugby league at the Gold Coast Titans and the NRLW coach.
She is a trailblazer – she’s the sole female coach in the groundbreaking NRLW competition and has her side primed for a finals tilt.
Murphy also oversees the club’s female programs, covering participation, pathways and talent development.
One of the most iconic women to play the game, now she’s inspiring the next generation.
And, it is for these reasons, and many more, that Mitchell wants to see the NRL bestow its highest honour to Murphy.
"We currently have 13 Immortals in the NRL, who have all made extraordinary contributions to the game, but they are all men." Mitchell said.
"It is time we had a female immortal and Karyn is added to this group."
"There is arguably no person who has been more influential to the female game of rugby league than Karyn.
"She represented the country for 15 years as a passion, when there was no support, and continues to inspire the next generation of female athletes."
