Steph Hancock, a seasoned rugby league player, is preparing to retire at the conclusion of the NRLW season, marking the end of a 22-year-long career. Hancock’s journey through rugby league is not just a story of athletic prowess but also of perseverance and passion. Over the years, she has retired and returned to the field a few times, likening her comebacks to those of John Farnham, a well-known Australian singer who famously had multiple farewell tours. However, this time, at the age of 42, she feels confident that it is truly time to step away from the game.
Hancock’s love for rugby league runs deep, stemming from her childhood. Her father, Rohan Hancock, was a formidable forward who played for Queensland and Australia, and his influence on Steph was profound. Her earliest memory of rugby league is vividly tied to watching her father play in the State of Origin, an iconic Australian rugby league series. The sight of her father, especially a memorable moment involving Arthur Beetson in the inaugural State of Origin game, left an indelible mark on young Hancock.
Naturally, Rohan played a significant role in introducing Steph to rugby league. He coached a junior team in Killarney, and Steph would often train with them. When the team found itself short of players one day, Rohan’s solution was to let his daughter, then just eight years old, fill in. Her debut was a remarkable one; she scored four tries, kicked two goals, and helped the team to an unexpected victory. The boys on the team were oblivious to the fact that Steph was a girl until after the game, when she removed her headgear, revealing her plaited hair. This moment encapsulates Hancock’s early defiance of gender norms in a male-dominated sport.
Unfortunately, her budding rugby league career was cut short when she reached the under-10s, as girls were not allowed to play beyond that age. But Hancock’s athleticism found other outlets, particularly in javelin throwing, where she excelled to the point of competing in the World Junior Championships in South America at the age of 18. She even trialed for the 2000 Olympics. However, it was a charitable event during a drought in her hometown in the early 2000s that brought Hancock back to rugby league, setting the stage for her illustrious career.
Hancock organized a women’s rugby league match between teams from Killarney and Warwick to raise funds. The event was a success, not just in terms of fundraising but also in rekindling Hancock’s love for the sport. The match attracted significant attention, leading to the formation of a team that went on to compete against Toowoomba in the Brisbane competition. This match caught the eye of the Toowoomba coach, who invited Hancock to join the Brisbane league. This invitation was the catalyst for her rugby league career, which eventually led to a call-up from the Australian Jillaroos coach, Dave Leat, for the 2003 World Cup squad.
The early days of women’s rugby league were a far cry from the professional environment seen today. Back then, the Jillaroos had minimal support, with players having to fund their own travel and training. Hancock recalls how the team had no assistant coach, and the players had to raise money through raffles to afford the trip to New Zealand for the World Cup. The sport has since evolved tremendously, with full-time NRLW contracts, six-figure salaries, and teams flying business class to international tournaments. Although Hancock missed out on some of these luxuries, she still considers herself fortunate to have witnessed and contributed to the sport’s growth over the past two decades.
Hancock’s contributions to rugby league are not limited to her on-field performances. She was a member of the Brisbane Broncos’ inaugural NRLW squad in 2018 and played a key role in their maiden premiership victory. Growing up, the Broncos were the team to aspire to, and wearing their jersey was a dream come true for Hancock. She fondly remembers the first season as the most enjoyable of her career, despite the challenges. The experience was made even more special by the presence of Paul Dyer and Michael Hancock (no relation), who were part of the coaching staff. Their old-school, tough approach resonated with Hancock, and she thrived under their guidance.
After securing back-to-back premierships with the Broncos, Hancock made the difficult decision to leave the team to support her friend Elsie Albert, who had recently moved from Papua New Guinea to play in Australia. Albert was the first homegrown talent from PNG to sign an NRLW contract, and Hancock wanted to mentor her through the transition. Despite her strong ties to the Broncos, Hancock chose to join the Dragons so she could be by Albert’s side. Their journey together was about more than just rugby; Hancock helped Albert adapt to life in Australia, teaching her essential skills like cooking and driving.
Throughout her career, Hancock has been more than just a player; she has been a mentor, a trailblazer, and an ambassador for women’s rugby league. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the game. As she prepares to retire, Hancock leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of female rugby league players. The sport has grown and evolved significantly during her time, and Hancock has played a crucial role in that transformation.
The decision to retire is never easy for an athlete, especially one who has dedicated so much of their life to the sport. For Hancock, the decision was guided by a sense of timing — a recognition that her head and heart are finally in alignment. After numerous comebacks and a career filled with achievements, Hancock is ready to hang up her boots for good. But as she steps away from the field, she does so with the satisfaction of knowing that she has helped pave the way for others, leaving the game in a better place than when she first started.
