With girls and women becoming more involved in the sport of rugby league every season, Ardler believed it was a perfect time to get back in involved with the sport she loves.

“I decided to throw my hat in the ring so to speak to hopefully play an active roll on the board while sharing and listening to others thoughts on where the game is heading,” Ardler said.

“I know that the group hasn't had many women on the board before but I’m hoping that this may change and inspire other women to participate and help the running of rugby league in the future.

“I'm really keen to see what lies ahead for Country Rugby League and in particular the inclusion of the women's teams both locally and on bigger stages.”

Ardler has been appointed as an independent board member and hopes that all teams feel like they can approach me with any issues they have.

“Hopefully what I bring to the group is a good knowledge and understanding of rugby league even though I'm a woman,” she said.

“Everyone should know I'm not afraid to step outside the box and see where it takes the group and rugby league in the future.

“I've been out of the rugby league scene for quite a few years now but hopefully whatever changes need to be made within the group are made for the better of the game and to further the development into the future.”

Ardler, who grew up in the small Aboriginal community of Wreck Bay, first got involved in rugby league more than 20 years ago.

“Rugby league has played a big part of my life from a very young age as it was always a weekly event to go to the football and watch my brothers, uncles and cousins play footy up and down the South Coast,” she said.

“The sport has had such an impact on my life while growing up that it inspired myself and my family to step up and manage the Wreck Bay Football Club from 1993 onwards until we could no longer field a team. 

“Rugby league has and always will be apart of my life as I've loved the game for so long.

“It was such a rewarding time to pack up and head to a game on the weekend with my partner and family in tow to watch him and the others play.

“I did however walk away from the game after my partner passed away while playing down at Greenwell Point.

“Although I have been out of the local rugby league scene for quite some years and not seeing much in the way of the game, I'm hoping that we can push it to a new level and show what this region has to offer on a bigger scale.”

Group 7 rugby league manager Peter Mehl believes that the appointment of Ardler will help encourage more women and girls to get involved in the sport of rugby league, especially on the South Coast, be that as a player, coach or at board level.