The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs hosted their inaugural Women in League Luncheon on Wednesday this week with more than 130 guests celebrating such a great occasion held at Canterbury League Club.
The event, MC'd by proud Bulldogs supporter Bill Woods also featured speeches from CEO Todd Greenberg, special address from Carla McGrath (Head of Sustainbility at NCIE) and a panel discussion which included Lisa Greenberg (wife of CEO Todd Greenberg), Simone Ennis (wife of Captain Michael Ennis), Caroline Marcus (Sunday Telegraph journalist and partner of Bulldogs staff member Jake Swarts) and Ann O'Farrell (proud Bulldogs member for over 30 years).
To celebrate all Women in League and the great work that women do across our region, the Bulldogs have introduced the Karen Folkes Memorial Award, which is in honour of the late Karen Folkes who was the wife of Bulldogs legend Steve Folkes and daughter of the man credited for building this great Club, Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore. Olivia Ryan (wife of former Captain Andrew Ryan) was also on hand to give an overview of the life Karen lived and the contribution she made to everything associated with the Bulldogs.
The award, given to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the game of rugby league was presented to Annemaree Poole, someone who has dedicated a large part of her life to junior league in the area.
Annemaree was shocked when awarded the inaugural Karen Folkes Memorial Award.
"It's so overwhelming, it's an absolute privilege to receive the inaugural award." Annemaree said. "I never knew Karen but I saw her at games and I've heard so much about the work that she did over the years.
"It was so great to receive the award from Josh Reynolds as well, I've known him for quite a few years, my son played Harold Matthews with him back in 2005 and it is great to see someone from that side and era come through to play in the NRL.
"There are definitely more women involved in the game than when i first got involved. It's an enjoyable sport and the more women that can get involved, the better I say.
"It's the friendships you make, it's certainly come a long way since seeing my first game at North Sydney Oval all those years ago."
Annemaree will also be on hand at our match against the Broncos where she will toss the coin with both Michael Ennis and Sam Thaiday standing by.
The event, MC'd by proud Bulldogs supporter Bill Woods also featured speeches from CEO Todd Greenberg, special address from Carla McGrath (Head of Sustainbility at NCIE) and a panel discussion which included Lisa Greenberg (wife of CEO Todd Greenberg), Simone Ennis (wife of Captain Michael Ennis), Caroline Marcus (Sunday Telegraph journalist and partner of Bulldogs staff member Jake Swarts) and Ann O'Farrell (proud Bulldogs member for over 30 years).
To celebrate all Women in League and the great work that women do across our region, the Bulldogs have introduced the Karen Folkes Memorial Award, which is in honour of the late Karen Folkes who was the wife of Bulldogs legend Steve Folkes and daughter of the man credited for building this great Club, Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore. Olivia Ryan (wife of former Captain Andrew Ryan) was also on hand to give an overview of the life Karen lived and the contribution she made to everything associated with the Bulldogs.
The award, given to a woman who has made a significant contribution to the game of rugby league was presented to Annemaree Poole, someone who has dedicated a large part of her life to junior league in the area.
Annemaree was shocked when awarded the inaugural Karen Folkes Memorial Award.
"It's so overwhelming, it's an absolute privilege to receive the inaugural award." Annemaree said. "I never knew Karen but I saw her at games and I've heard so much about the work that she did over the years.
"It was so great to receive the award from Josh Reynolds as well, I've known him for quite a few years, my son played Harold Matthews with him back in 2005 and it is great to see someone from that side and era come through to play in the NRL.
"There are definitely more women involved in the game than when i first got involved. It's an enjoyable sport and the more women that can get involved, the better I say.
"It's the friendships you make, it's certainly come a long way since seeing my first game at North Sydney Oval all those years ago."
Annemaree will also be on hand at our match against the Broncos where she will toss the coin with both Michael Ennis and Sam Thaiday standing by.
