The NSW Minerals Council will be a foundation partner and major sponsor of the Newcastle Knights women’s team in the NRLW in 2022.

The NSW Mining logo will be proudly positioned on the front and back of the team’s jersey in their first year in the NRLW in a strong demonstration of mining’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Since 2018 we have supported the Newcastle Knights under 19s team in the Tarsha Gale Cup, and this new sponsorship is another positive step.

The entry of a Knights team into the NRLW competition is a special moment for women’s sport, as well as for the Hunter community as a whole, and the local mining industry is excited to be part of it.

We are also excited that an experienced Hunter Valley mine worker is among the recruits to the Knight’s new NRLW team, highlighting the bond between the club and our important mining communities.

Thirty year-old Phoebe Desmond has worked in mining for 10 years and joins an esteemed group of Newcastle Knights players – including Billy Peden, Steve Simpson, Adam Muir, Tony Butterfield, Josh King and more – that have all been part of the local mining industry.

Phoebe works at Glencore’s Bulga Open Cut mine near Singleton which produces high-grade metallurgical and thermal coal for export. She operates haul trucks and drill rigs essential to safe and efficient operations.

When asked how she felt about being a miner and Newcastle Knight, Phoebe said, “I’m excited about the opportunity, that’s for sure. And being able to show the other girls out there that we can do both worlds. We can have a mining career and we can have a football career and put them both together.”

Now we are emerging from the COVID-19 lockdown, it’s great to once again enjoy more freedoms. Going to the footy to cheer on Phoebe and her team-mates in the Knights NRLW team is another great reason why our miners and their families should be proud of the effort everyone has made to stay Covid-safe.

Stephen Galilee, CEO, NSW Minerals Council