The Canberra Region Rugby League wishes to acknowledge the passing of one of the pioneers of Women’s Rugby League in Australia and the Canberra region, Graham Willard.
Graham was a passionate supporter of women’s rugby league, coaching numerous teams in the 1990’s locally, then the ACT representative teams and finally was the inaugural Jillaroos coach.
Players such as Cath Welch, Katrina Fanning, Maree Bush, Rom Emmanuel, Robyn Miller are just some of the players who had the privilege of being coached by Graham.
Graham had played with the North Sydney Bears (#598) in Sydney before relocating to Canberra where he also later became involved with the local Men of League chapter.
In recent years, Graham once again became associated with the Open Women’s rugby league with the re-establishment of a women’s tackle competition and the first representative sides in many years.
Graham once again was out searching for talent and the CRRL was honoured to have Graham’s expertise and passion help us guide the new generation of players.
Graham’s influence is best summarised by the reminiscences and tribute of two of his former players; Cath Welch and Maree Bush.
Cath Welch recounts:
A mildly spoken man who was passionate about sharing his knowledge of footy both as a player and coach. Graham coached club, ACT and Jillaroo women’s rugby league teams in the 90’s and early 2000’s when women playing rugby league was not so much an acceptable thing. He always defended the ability of women to play the game and promoted their achievements in the game.
He was awarded as a Life Member of Canberra Women’s Rugby League in 1998 and the Coach of the Year in the Katrina Fanning Shield is named in his honour.
I first met Graham over 30 years ago, his love and knowledge of the game was always evident, as a spectator, player, coach and friend. He was very proud of how the women’s game had progressed and become not only acceptable but popular.
I played in many teams coached by Graham during the 90’s, however I think he was in his element during 1997 and 1998 when as Coach with his wife Penny as Manager, daughters Vanessa as player and Yvette as Sports Trainer he coached the Rams to victories in both Grand Finals. His love of family and footy celebrated.
Maree Bush recalls:
The first I got to know of Graham Willard was when he coached East Canberra in my early years of playing for Rams, he was able to bring together a formidable team that always made sure my Rams came in 2nd. It wasn’t till 1994 when he we both moved to the Valley Dragons that I first had the privilege of seeing first hand what a wonderful coach he was.
As a coach, he had the ability to watch a player, identify and build both a player’s strengths and weaknesses, improving on their confidence and playing abilities.
In 95' when the comp was in need of another team, he became my sounding board when I decided to build the Queanbyan Blues women’s team, assisting and encouraging me, all to the benefit and future of the women’s game.
I was able to rejoin Graham at the Rams in 1997 and again in 1998, he was the proudest of coaches when he took us to grand final wins in both years. These 2 years were made even more special with the family environment he created by bringing along his beautiful wife and biggest support, Penny, his daughter Vanessa as a player and his daughter Yvette as our strapper.
Many of the players knew him as Dad because of the way he treated us, although he later got the moniker “Uncle Arthur” (referenced from the comedy company). He had a wonderful sense of humour.
He was passionate about Rugby League, and particularly the women’s game, its growth and future. As an unconventional sport at the time for women, Graham was a pioneer for the game and in his treatment of us as real players
He was the best mentor and friend. Thank you from me and my family for being a patient, caring and uplifting influence in our lives.
The Canberra Region Rugby League and the whole rugby league community wishes to send its condolences to the Willard family on Graham’s passing and also celebrates a wonderful contribution by Graham to the great game of rugby league.
