Written by Oliver Kellner-Dunk
Tahnee Norris was once one of the best players in Women’s Rugby League.
She is a former Australian captain, who represented the Jillaroos on four occasions at the Rugby League World Cup.
Norris has also gone on to become one of the premier coaches in the women’s game, leading Queensland to their second straight Women’s State of Origin victory, after taking over from Jason Hetherington this year.
She has now officially re-signed with the Maroons as their head coach, and in doing so has taken a huge strive forward for female coaches in our game, as Norris will now be taking on the role full-time so that she can not only focus on the Queensland Origin team but look to create more pathways for women in Queensland to one day play in the NRLW competition.
When speaking to Queensland Rugby League, Norris was understandably overjoyed about taking on this role full-time.
“For me, it’s a really good opportunity, especially as the Maroons coach, to actually see what talent is coming through and to be able to have an influence on that as well,” Norris said.
“So not only with the player development side of it, but coach education as well.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunities to grow the Harvey Norman Under 17s and Under 19s program that we’ve now got going, and having some input into that to develop quality players and coaches.”
Norris was also revealed to be the Gold Coast Titans women’s team assistant coach back in August, with the side set to make their debut in the NRLW when the delayed competition kicks off in early 2022.
The reigning BHP premiership-winning coach with the Burleigh Bears will be second in command to head coach Jamie Feeney, with Norris also looking forward to taking on that role when speaking to the Titans official website.
“Feens (Feeney) and I have done a lot of work in targeting the right people (culturally),” Norris said.
“You have just got to get the right people behind it to be successful.
“Feens and I are both defensive coaches so we will have a big impact on the defensive side of the game and then give them an opportunity to play ‘eyes up’ footy.
“I am really looking forward to it (the NRLW season) and we are lucky to have such a good group and we have a good mix of experience and youth.”
Norris certainly has a lot on her plate, but will be working effortlessly to grow the women’s game.
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