NRLW Players: Shaianne McGlone

New signing Shaianne McGlone will make her NRLW debut on Sunday, after an unlikely journey to playing top-flight rugby league. 

Joining the club after two years playing for Burleigh Bears in Queensland’s BMD Premiership, McGlone is a multi-sport athlete.

She has had lengthy careers in both OzTag and netball but it was not until a couple of years ago that she played her first game of rugby league at the age of 27.

Shaianne’s career achievements are extensive, having represented Western Australia in the Netball State Championships, as well as winning numerous National Championships in Open Mixed OzTag. 

But despite already having accomplished so much in her athletic career, the 29-year-old is determined to make the most of her new challenge.

“I think being a little bit older has really helped with the transition,” McGlone explained.

“Getting an NRLW contract in that two-year frame after playing my first ever game of rugby league would’ve been really daunting but I do have so much more life experience now.

“We have a few businesses and I’m a mum, so hard work wasn’t a new thing for me.”

As mentioned, McGlone is a mother and she credits her two daughters as the driving influence behind reaching the heights that she has. 

Despite temporarily moving away from family after relocating to Sydney from Queensland for the duration of the NRLW season, Shaianne credits them as her biggest inspirations on the road to reaching new career milestones. 

“My girls are a huge part of what I do and being away from them weekly is hard but it drives me in training, because when I’m tired, I’m reminded why I’m here.

“My 10-year-old plays a lot of sport now and it’s really important to me to be a role model for her and show her that hard work definitely does pay off.

“My husband, daughters and Uncle Boy are my biggest inspirations to do what I do every single day.”

McGlone is grateful that the culture at Wests Tigers has been so welcoming and has quickly developed strong bonds with her new teammates.

And while the move away from family has been tough, moving in with lock forward Najvada George and fellow Queenslander Tara Reinke has made relocation much smoother for the new recruit.

“The culture within the team is second to none, it’s really like I’ve known the girls for years.

“There’s no cliques, everyone’s here for the same reason and Noddy and the coaching staff are so great at coaching both individual and team situations.

“Moving in with the girls has made it easier too, it’s been so much fun. 

“If they go away for the weekend, I feel like I miss them now. 

“I love how we’re all on the same page with each other and again they’re just so much fun.”

With the long pre-season now over and the NRLW campaign kicking off this weekend, McGlone is primed and ready for a breakout debut season.

“I’m ready to get out of my comfort zone and absolutely unleash because I know I have the potential to do that.”

Shaianne McGlone

"As a team, we’re only going for the premiership.”