Ali Brigginshaw’s footy career began with an angry mum and this startling team list. It ends with a game-changing legend
Rugby league legend Ali Brigginshaw is preparing for her final home game as she nears retirement from the NRLW. The article reflects on her career trajectory, which began with overcoming gender-based discrimination in youth sports.
Why it matters
Brigginshaw is recognized as a pivotal figure in the growth and professionalization of women's rugby league.
NRL NRLW Ali Brigginshaw’s footy career began with an angry mum and this startling team list. It ends with a game-changing legend Brigginshaw at peace with retirement | 02:14 Sam Squiers from Fox Sports @SamSquiers September 18th, 2026 6:00 am A little 10-year-old Ali Brigginshaw didn’t know what to feel when a parent of an opposition player started filming her without permission while she was on field.
The parent wasn’t impressed at this girl who had just been selected in the Met West zone team, the only girl in her side and of all the teams competing. No, she was filming little Ali as evidence for her protest, that this girl shouldn’t have been selected over her son in the rep side.
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