30 July 2025
We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Cherie Steele-Shanks, a rugby league stalwart and pioneer.
Cherie dedicated nearly five decades of service to the game, helping rugby league thrive and most notably, championing growth of the women’s game.
Hailing from Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast, Cherie’s love for the game dates back to 1976 when she took on the role of Secretary at Glenfield Rugby League, later also serving as Treasurer and Chairperson. Her efforts and work for the Greyhounds saw her awarded Life Membership at her beloved club.
During this time, Cherie also served as Secretary of Auckland Rugby League Secretary, going on to hold a number of roles within the organisation until 1995.
In 1996, Cherie established the New Zealand Women’s Rugby League committee, which led to the inception of the first National Women’s Tournament. She went on to lead the committee and players in raising $250,000 to attend the 2000 Women’s World Cup which they won. This was followed by another World Cup victory in 2005.
In recognition of her tireless efforts, Cherie received the New Zealand Rugby League Distinguished Service Award in 2006, and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for services to women’s rugby league.
In 2017, Cherie became an NZRL Life Member, only the second woman in history to receive this honour.
Acknowledging her pioneering work in advancing the women’s game across Auckland and Aotearoa, Auckland Rugby League named the Women’s Premiership Competition in her honour in 2023. Today, the Steele-Shanks Premiership remains Auckland’s premier women’s competition and Cup.
