A celebratory post-match kiss was both an expression of love and a desire to show younger girls that it’s okay to be open with their same-sex affections, says women's NRL player Ali Brigginshaw.
Brigginshaw, a stand-out player for the Brisbane Broncos side that won the inaugural women’s NRL title on Sunday, embraced partner Kate Daly in front of the 16,214-strong crowd and a substantial television audience.
"I've never been one to hide my affection," said Brigginshaw. "She's the person I love... I have her here and I'm not going to say, 'I can't show you affection at the game’.
"Kate is the reason why I train hard. My family is a reason I train hard, and I go up and give them a big hug and a kiss, and that doesn't mean any different to when I go up and give her a kiss.
"It's hard being away playing rugby league all the time. I'm away from home a lot, but having her here today allows her to see how hard I work.
"Also, little girls might grow up to love the same sex and I want them to see they don't need to be ashamed of it. I walk around the street holding Kate's hand, because I'm not ashamed of it."
It's the second time this NRL season that an intimate same-sex image has captured the nation's attention. Maroons player Karina Brown embraced partner and Blues opponent Ness Foliaki after their women's State of Origin match in June.
The Broncos were dominant in the first-ever women's Grand Final, riding an opening-quarter blitz led by Kiwi Ferns player Kimiora Nati's hat-trick to ease to a 24-12 victory.
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