Why equal pay means a lot to female 9s stars

RESPECT, recognition and a massive step forward for women’s sport.
Those were some of the reactions from players in the women’s teams at this week’s World Cup Nines to news that they would receive the same payment as their male counterparts for playing in the tournament.
The revelation by NRL.com that the 256 players in the four women’s teams and 12 men’s sides would be paid A$2,000 (K4,600) each by tournament organisers was a topic of discussion at the official World Cup Nines launch in Sydney on Wednesday.
For most players in the Papua New Guinea and England women’s teams, and the United States and Lebanon men’s sides, it is the first time they have been paid to represent their nation.
However, for many of the game’s female stars, the fact that men and women are receiving equal pay is as significant as the amount they are being paid.
“If you speak to the girls it is not the money but the reason behind it. It’s the recognition, it’s the respect,” PNG Orchids forward Lekiellia Brown said.
“Back home, the girls get criticised a lot for playing rugby league so hopefully it changes people’s attitudes. Now when we go back, the news will spread that we are equal. We are getting paid the same as the boys and it will motivate the young girls back home to take up rugby league.”
Orchids co-captain Angelena Watego said many of the players had made financial sacrifices to play.
“I think it is good that we are being recognised and are finally on the same level,” Watego said.
“We live in the 21st century so we should all be treated the same.
“For the majority of the boys, this is their job. They play football day in and day out, whereas the majority of us girls have to work and train after work.
“We have to take time off work to come to these camps.” – NRL