Cowra’s Danielle Spence Takes Out NRL Community Women In League Award

Cowra’s Danielle Spence has taken out the 2025 NRL Community Award Women in League category, receiving the award in front of tens of thousands of people during the pregame formalities at the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium, Sydney, on Sunday.

The awards aim to celebrate individuals who work extremely hard in their communities to ensure rugby league thrives at grass roots level.

Established in 2007, the NRL states its Community Awards “have become the most significant opportunity for our game’s unsung heroes to receive the recognition they deserve for the tireless work they do in the community”.Mrs Spence volunteers on the committee of the Cowra Magpies Rugby League Club, and has worked hard to bring in opportunities for women in Cowra to play Rugby League.

She established the “She Matters Movement” in Cowra, and worked hard with Cowra Council to make Sid Kallas Oval more inclusive for sportswomen.

“Recognising the lack of appropriate facilities, Danielle took action, personally fundraising, navigating local bureaucracy, and collaborating with council, Crown Land, and other stakeholders. Her efforts culminated in the opening of new female change rooms in April 2025, a milestone that has already improved the experience of women and girls in the sport,” the NRL stated on its website.

“Danielle’s journey has not been without challenges. She faced outdated infrastructure, resistance to change, and unsuccessful grant applications.

But she remained undeterred, raising funds and joining the Council’s Sport and Recreation Committee to ensure women’s sport was represented in planning decisions.”

“Her leadership has inspired a cultural shift in her community. Danielle leads by example, showing that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level.

She has united diverse groups around a shared vision, empowered others to advocate for inclusion, and created a legacy that will benefit future generations of female players.”

• Topics:
• Awards
• Rugby League