Former dual international rugby league and rugby union player, Lisa Fiaola has joined the Canberra Raiders as the club’s Women’s Wellbeing and Education Manager.
Fiaola started with the Raiders this week and brings with her a wealth of experience in the women’s space as both a player and coach ahead of the club’s first NRLW season.
She has previously represented both the Jillaroos and New South Wales in the Interstate Challenge as a rugby league player and has also played for the Wallaroos and New South Wales Waratahs in rugby union.
The Lisa Fiaola Cup, the New South Wales Rugby League under 17’s girls competition, is also named in her honour.
Fiaola said she’s excited to join the club and be part of the Raiders inaugural NRLW team.
“It’s been really awesome just being in this environment as a full-time employee, it’s a dream come true really,” Fiaola said.
“Being part of the first Canberra Raiders NRLW team, I’m very excited like everyone else here as well. I can feel the buzz when I walk through the office.”
Once contracts are finalised with the NRL and RLPA, Fiaola’s role will include helping the NRLW players in the lead up to the season with things like relocation and finding jobs and study opportunities to help them settle in Canberra.
“This role is something new to me, but I don’t mind a challenge. Just being involved in the rugby league side of it and being in the female space just feels like another beautiful opportunity.
“Also just understanding how to help the girls to make them feel like everything is going to be supported for them.”
Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick is excited about Fiaola’s appointment and the role she’ll play in the team.
“What I wanted to do was make sure we surrounded ourselves with good people and we were fortunate enough that I spoke nice and early to Lisa and she was excited about the opportunity and I think she’ll be great for our group of girls,” Borthwick said.
“She’s got a lot of experience within the women’s space and for her to come and work in the wellbeing department will be good for the girls.
“She’s got that friendly nature. She’s very knowledgeable about the game but she’s just a good, genuine person and the girls just relate to her really well on and off the field.”
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