As women play more and more of a role in sporting clubs at all levels around the country, the Sharks are no different with six of their executive positions filled by females for 2019.

Lyn Gentle will take over the player registration duties, Deb Moloney and Kylie Smith are joint treasurers while Maddison Kelly and Kaela Chesher will look after the social side of things as functions coordinators.

But club president Belinda Dowse says it is more than that.

“This particular group of females are more important than just the fact they’re female,” she said.

“Three of them are mothers of our first graders and the other two are wives and girlfriends of players.

“We always need people that are passionate about the club and about the game in general; fresh faces whether they be female or male is important in the group.”

With husband Jamie in the president’s chair last season, Mrs Dowse was looking forward to using the strong female numbers to her advantage this season.

They will focus on creating a more family-friendly atmosphere at home games.

“Jamie did a fantastic job last year almost single-handedly because we had no committee,” she said.

“We want it to be a fun place to go on game day and for the wives and girlfriends to bring the kids.

“We want to put more of a focus back on the families rather than the boys drinking on the hill and have some fresh ideas and ways to get families more involved.”

Dowse is no stranger to rugby league having been involved for many years, travelling around Australia after starting in Port Macquarie.

“I got involved when my kids were little it was a case of if you can’t beat them, join them,” she said.

“I found it worked better if I was involved and we were passionate about the same thing instead of me being resentful that he was off doing his own thing and I was stuck at home with the kids.”

Dowse said Hastings rivals Wauchope Blues had turned their club around and the Sharks were hoping to do the same.

“I really admire the Wauchope club and what Ged Roods has done out there,” she said.

“The Breakers do what they do very well so hopefully we get to a point where we’re the premier club on and off the field again where we should be.”

“All the clubs are run by people that have been there for years and years and it is hard work so people get worn out, tired and it’s good to see new people come on board.”​

The club will also hold their end-of-year Christmas party at McInherney Park on December 1.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News.

To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.