NRLW Players: Imogen Gobran

Playing representative touch football in the Balmain district, Imogen was never inclined to play rugby league.

That was until she was approached one day to trial for Wests Tigers Under 17s Lisa Fiaola Cup team.

The 19-year-old forward decided to give it a crack. Not only did she make the side, but she was also made captain, and she hasn’t looked back.

Imogen became the first Balmain junior to progress through every stage of the club’s female pathways program when making her debut for the club’s Harvey Norman Women’s side in 2022.

That journey took another important step last weekend in Brisbane when she made her very first appearance in the NRLW.

Imogen is quick to point out how important the club’s pathway’s system is to young female footballers.

“It’s been a special time for me since making my Harvey Norman debut, then signing a NRLW contract, and then my NRLW debut,” said Gobran.

I think for girls to see they have these pathways now available to them is really  important.

Imogen Gobran

“They can see that there is a road all the way to the elite level.

“Wests Tigers female pathways program has made me into the player I am today.”

Aside from improving as a player, Gobran says she has made many friendships along the way.

“Some of us started at Tarsha Gale and then some of us went into the Harvey Norman squad and the rest followed the year after,” she said.

“We have become such a close group, doing what we love to do.

“You’re doing your favourite thing and you’re doing it with a group of close friends so it’s pretty cool.”

Gobran says she has a great support network of experienced players around her.

“Being around players with so much knowledge and experience is great,” she said.

“They remind me I’m still young and still have so much ahead of me.

“It’s really important to hear that, especially coming from players like Kezie (Apps) or Bo (Vette-Welsh).”

Wests Tigers take on the Dragons as part of a NRL/NRLW double-header at CommBank Stadium on Saturday.