Emma Lawrence will make history as the first woman to call an NRL game on play-by-play commentary, joining Triple M's team for the 2026 season. The radio station described the move as a 'landmark moment' for rugby league broadcasting, where female voices have been absent from the lead commentary role.
Lawrence, who joined Triple M in 2017 and appears on Rush Hour NSW and Channel Nine's NRL coverage, said she was 'pumped' to take on the role. 'Calling the game that I love alongside such an elite crew is an absolute thrill,' she told the Daily Telegraph, adding that she has been preparing by commentating over old games at home with the sound off.
Sports commentator Kate Allman praised the decision as 'a win for all women working in commentary and sport broadcasting,' noting that commentary booths have long been male-dominated. 'Someone has to be first to shatter that glass ceiling,' Allman said, expressing hope it will open doors for more women in future.
Ewan Giles, Southern Cross Australia's head of sports content, called Lawrence 'one of the sharpest broadcasters in rugby league' and said the opportunity reflects how highly regarded she is at Triple M. The move follows similar milestones in other sports, such as Kelli Underwood on AFL and Isa Guha on cricket.
