In 1996, the Great Britain Lionesses became the first team to be inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame.
They achieved a historic 2-1 test series victory on the inaugural women’s rugby league tour to Australia in 1996.
Lisa Mackintosh became the first black woman to lead a British team in any sport, leading a team of 26 players to victory.
Jane Banks and Michelle Land also followed Mackintosh, Brenda Dobeck and Sally Milburn into the Hall of Fame.
The five were all instrumental in the 1996 tour, which was entirely self-funded, with the players and staff, including head coach Ian Harris and Jackie Sheldon, raising £50,000.
They remain the only women’s team from the Northern Hemisphere to have beaten Australia in a three-Test series, and have played a role in spurring the development of the women’s and girls’ game in England.
“I’m really proud that the work we did in 1996 has been recognised by the RFL. It was a real collective effort from start to finish and provided a huge boost to women’s rugby league in England, starting with raising funds to take part in the third and final Test match,” said Mackintosh.
“I have fantastic memories of the tour, the travel, the training, the team bonding and especially the final Test where we held on to win by a very narrow margin. It was a testament to our talent, our stamina, our determination and our team spirit.
“We have all learned lessons that will last a lifetime and we are proud that we have inspired and benefited the younger generation from what we did 28 years ago.
“Winning the Ashes in Australia is never easy and the recognition has been long overdue but we are grateful to the RFL for inducting us into their Hall of Fame and are incredibly proud that the 1996 Great Britain Lionesses are the first team to be included in the Hall of Fame.”
She added: “I’d also like to congratulate Jane Banks and Shelly Land, both of whom played a huge part in our wins on that tour.”
“I have made many lifelong friends that continue to this day and I would like to congratulate all the team members who took part in that historic tour.”
A driving force behind women’s and community projects in rugby league, Julia Lee has blazed a trail as the first woman to referee a men’s match.
Lee travelled to Australia as a referee in 1996 and said: “Everyone involved in women’s rugby league is absolutely thrilled about this news.”
“I was guided by a coaching team that guided outstanding players with talent, skills and abilities to perform at their best physically and mentally.
“We all pay tribute to the players and staff of the 1996 Tour for their achievements in Australia and for the advancement of the women’s game.
“They were pioneers and we congratulate them on the recognition and Hall of Fame they deserve.”
Watch the Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos women’s and men’s doubleheader live on Sky Sports+ from 17:20 on Friday 13 September. Also stream on NOW.
