Question asked by NRLW star’s son shows reality of the sport

When Samantha Bremner tells her kids they’re going to watch the footy, her five-year-old son will turn to her and ask “boys or girls?”.
It fills her with pride.
It’s a simple question but it proves to the NRLW great that the work she and so many incredible athletes like her are doing in the world of women’s rugby is paying off.
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“That was never a question when I grew up. If the football comes on or the rugby comes on [it was] the men,” Bremner, who recently partnered with DrinkWise tells 9honey.
“And I love that the norm these days is for kids to just know that females and males play both.”
Rugby has always been a big part of Bremner’s life but growing up it was a boy’s club and there was no professional women’s rugby league for her to aspire to. 
“Rugby League I guess has been a part of my life since I was such a little girl but girls couldn’t play when I was little.”
Bremner was a part of the change. 
Widely regarded as one of the most talented fullbacks in women’s rugby league, the three-time world cup champion was one of the pioneers of women’s rugby league and was a foundation member of the St George Illawarra Dragons’ inaugural NRLW team in 2018.
She has been a massive asset to the NRLW since then and has loved every minute. 
“[I’m] hugely passionate about the NRL and the NRLW and I have loved being a part of the ride and the evolution of the game,” she explains.
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During that time, Bremner also welcomed her three children into the world and is excited by the fact that they will grow up in a world where a professional female rugby player is not an anomaly.
She has also been determined to show that women don’t have to choose between their sporting career and having kids.
“I wanted more females to understand and be inspired that you could have a career and have children,” she explains.
Last year, Bremner made the call to retire from the game saying she was “ready for that next chapter” but has returned almost as quickly as you could say the word fullback.
She is back for what she says will be one final season with the Sydney Roosters this year before returning to retirement – although she’s now more cautious to never say never.
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Despite retiring, her career with the sport is far from over. Once she hangs up her footy boots, Bremner hopes to help other mothers push forward in their sporting careers.
“I’d love to help mothers who want to be a mum and return to ruby league and how they go about it,” Bremner says. 
“It’s really scary and can be extremely isolating because not many people are doing it and everyone’s support networks, bodies, partners, babies and health are all different.” 
“My three kids are the best thing that ever happened to me and my career is one of the best things that ever happened to me,” she adds.
“And I don’t want people to think that they have to choose one. So I would love to help in that space.”
While she may not be on the field for much longer, Bremner is filled with excitement for what the future of the NRLW holds. She admits there’s still a lot to be done for the women’s game but it has come a long way from when she first started playing.
“If we look forward in the next 10 years, where we’ve come from in the last 10 years, there’s no doubt in my mind that we can definitely keep moving forward in the right direction and with the support and the players that we have coming through,” she says.
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Bremner’s love for her sport is evident as she speaks and its not just the game but the community that comes with it. 
“The thing I love about rugby league and all sports really is just the inclusivity, it gives you a sense of belonging whether you’re a player, a spectator or supporter, it brings you together,” she says. 
Bremner has partnered with DrinkWise and other sporting stars from the NRLW, NRL, AFLW and AFL for a new campaign to remind fans of the importance of responsible drinking in the lead up to finals season. 
“We love everybody getting behind finals time and we understand that people will have a drink – it’s sort of a part of the celebration and always has been… But if they can do it responsibly and make sure that everyone around them does it safely as well, then that’s our goal as well,” Bremner explains. 
“I think it’s important because if we don’t drink responsibly we lose focus of the reason we’re united in the first place,” Bremner later adds. 
“And that is what finals time does in all sports. It brings people together for a common goal and to bring excitement and joy into their lives.”
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