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From volunteering at the Kiama Junior Knights to stepping onto the Australian Wheelchair Rugby League Board, her journey is a testament to the power of sport in shaping leaders.
"I fell in love with rugby league as a young girl back in the early 1990s. Rugby league wasn’t really an option for girls back then, so I played quite a bit of touch football growing up," she shares.
Her connection to the game only deepened when she met her husband—also a lifelong league player, volunteer, and coach—and later, when their two sons developed the same passion for the sport.
What started as managing her eldest son’s junior rugby team soon became a mission to rebuild a struggling club.
"I decided to join the Committee in 2017 after our numbers had dropped to an all-time low of 182, with no international-aged boys' teams. The following year, I was appointed Club Secretary, and today, we are the largest club in the Group 7 and Illawarra competitions with over 500 players registered and teams across all age groups."
The turnaround has been remarkable:
✔ 280% increase in player registrations
✔ 86% male retention rate—the strongest in Group 7
✔ 157% growth in female participation in just two years
Her leadership and dedication to the game were recognised when she was awarded NSWRL’s Community Rugby League Volunteer of the Year and became a finalist for NRL’s Community Volunteer of the Year in 2020.
"Being part of the growth of this club and seeing more kids enjoy the game I love has been one of my proudest achievements."
Despite years of experience in rugby league and a career in communications, marketing, and public relations, Kristie wanted to take her leadership to the next level.
"As an aspiring leader in the sports industry, I jumped at the chance to apply for this course. I wanted to build my confidence and grow my leadership skills in a way that could help my career and volunteer roles."
She was thrilled to receive a scholarship for the Empowered to Lead program, which gave her the chance to learn from other female sports leaders and broaden her perspective.
One of the most impactful parts of the program for Kristie was creating a vision board, a task that made her reflect deeply on her journey and leadership.
"At first, I wasn’t sure where to start, but it really helped me see how far I’ve come. One quote stood out to me: ‘Somewhere behind the person you become… is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back. Do it for them.’"
That quote captured everything she had worked toward.
"I realised I got here through determination and grit, and now the possibilities are endless. I feel empowered, and it’s exciting!"
Another major takeaway was learning about her DISC profile, which helped her understand her strengths in leadership: patience, teamwork, and integrity.
"It’s changed the way I approach challenges and how I communicate, not just in sport, but in my career and home life too."
Since completing the program, Kristie has taken on a new leadership role as a Director on the Australian Wheelchair Rugby League Board, combining her passion for rugby league and inclusivity.
"Rugby league is about more than just the game—it unites people, breaks down barriers, and creates a sense of belonging. I saw that firsthand at a Junior Connections Rugby League event recently. The smiles, the new skills, the friendships—it reminded me why I do this."
She is excited about the future of NRL Wheelchair, particularly with Australia hosting the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
"This is a critical time for the sport, and I’m looking forward to working with the Board, CEO, and community to expand programs, build partnerships, and elevate the sport’s profile."
Kristie is passionate about helping more women step into leadership roles in sport.
"There are more opportunities than ever. Volunteer at your local club, shadow a board, take up training opportunities. Put in the work, believe in yourself, and the results will come!"
She sees Play Like a Girl as a key part of this movement.
"Initiatives like this are critical in shifting the narrative around women in sport, challenging unconscious bias, and creating a culture where female leaders are valued and respected."
Her leadership philosophy?
"Integrity, loyalty, respect, fairness, community, and family. These values guide how I lead, make decisions, and navigate challenges. They remind me why I do what I do."
Play Like a Girl is incredibly proud to have Kristie Laird in our community. Her passion for rugby league, commitment to inclusivity, and drive to make a real impact in sport are exactly what playing like a girl is all about.
We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!
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