NRL offers little cheer for women
May 28, 2006
Rugby league is a long way from a women-friendly spectator sport, writes Samantha Lane
WORD is that the National Rugby League is looking to officially recognise the contribution of women to its game, AFL-style. But before the NRL considers bells, whistles and pink ribbons, it would do well to start with some analysis of match-day happenings, where there is a change screaming out to be made.
It's a change that might not please every spectator, but one that would go miles to creating a more inclusive environment for women.
As an uninitiated spectator at last Wednesday's state-of-origin match, I didn't expect to leave Sydney's Telstra Stadium with an expert understanding of the subtleties of a foreign code. Nor did I expect such an in-your-face experience that demonstrated, in the starkest of ways, the great contrast in AFL and NRL crowd culture.
An initial observation was a welcome, if not coincidental, one, noted in the ladies' toilets pre-match. There were no queues. Outside, it was also difficult to spot the women, particularly the 20-somethings, which might go some way to explaining the leering attention directed at my companion as we walked to our seats.
The pre-match entertainment was standard modern-day sporting event fare — fireworks, throbbing nightclub music and an anthem rendition — until the cheerleaders filed out. A dozen or so women, sparkling pompoms in hands and clad in lycra hotpants, bikini tops and knee-high boots, began a routine of body rolls, general bumping and grinding and booty shaking. This was not a demonstration in contortionism, acrobatics or even wonderful flexibility. It was showgirl dancing.
It was some relief when play began. That was until the cheerleading brigade split into groups and, in different directions, made their way around separate sides of the ground while play continued. Throughout their trek around the boundary, they were wolf whistled and cheered at wildly. They waved and smiled.
At half-time, the troupe returned for an encore centre-stage performance. There was more crowd hooting and, unable to recall feeling more alienated or ostracised at a sporting event, I wondered what the other young, female, prospective league fans in the audience were thinking. What was welcoming about this environment?
On Thursday night, the MCG was almost completely filled for a one-off sporting special with a festive bunch of ladies and gents. They watched the Matildas play before the Socceroos. The Mexican wave and the odd flare were the only distractions from play.
On Friday night, it was business as usual. Collingwood played the Western Bulldogs and, completely unprompted, my accomplice for that night — attending just her third AFL match — commented on how "wholesome" an experience she thought it was. Men, women, kids, parents, grandparents, thermoses, sandwiches and rugs. Random ruffians of course, but at this game a man named Joffa was the only cheerleader dressed in sequins.
Just as the AFL controls what happens on its game days — and it must be noted that, for reasons that require explanation, cheerleaders still form part of the pre-match before Adelaide games — the NRL can authorise what and what won't form part of its contests.
If the cheerleaders don't go, no amount of well-intentioned, girl-power window dressing will convince anyone that the establishment is taking women seriously.
(illegal???) 
