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NRLW 2022: Trolls who post ‘disgusting’ comments ‘need to be held accountable’

Martin GaborNCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: Supplied

Teammates and other players have rallied around Julia Robinson after the NRLW star copped ‘disgusting’ messages of hate from online trolls who body-shamed photos of her working out.

Robinson is one of the fittest players in the competition and regularly wins fitness tests at Broncos training, yet it seems some people in 2022 can’t accept female athletes are stronger, faster and fitter than them.

The winger posted a photo which attracted vile comments and then shared the hate to raise awareness that women are still being subjected to personal attacks after AFLW star Tayla Harris received derogatory comments in 2019 for a photo showing off her incredible kicking technique.

The Broncos condemned the online comments and praised Robinson, who has been at the club since the inaugural competition in 2018.

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While it’s sad to see something like this still going on, fellow Bronco Chelsea Lenarduzzi says it’s an ongoing issue for female athletes.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t surprised by it,” she told NCA NewsWire.

“People still over-sexualise females, and female athletes are heavily criticised for how they look.

“In Julia’s case, she is literally the perfect athlete. She’s the pinnacle of what we want to become. She wins everything at training and is the professional athlete who drags others to be better.

“She’s totally fine. She wanted to put out the message that it’s not okay to do that.”

Speaking at the launch of the NRLW season at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, former Bronco Millie Boyle said the abuse was “disgusting”.

Julia Robinson is one of the most successful NRLW players.
Camera IconJulia Robinson is one of the most successful NRLW players. Credit: Supplied

“It’s ridiculous for someone who gets praised by all the players,” she said.

“To see that some people have comments like that is ridiculous.

“I can’t believe it’s still happening, especially when we’re all talking about mental health and trying to break down stigmas.

“It doesn’t help when you have people making public comments like that, and I think people should be held accountable for that. Heaven forbid they have daughters who want to play rugby league one day.

“What kind of world are we fostering with comments like that?

“As a teammate, you couldn’t have a nicer person than her. She is genuinely the nicest person I know and she has the biggest heart.

“She’s someone who breaks the ‘Bronco’ (a 1.2km time trial of shuttle runs) in under five minutes, and most men don’t do that.”

Robinson received a lot of love from fellow players on Instagram, who praised her physical prowess and her bravery to call out the abuse.

“When I shared it, some people were saying they didn’t believe that it’s still happening, but it clearly is and people are just hiding behind their computer screens writing this stuff,” Titans recruit Lauren Brown said.

“We’re human and we work so hard on our bodies because that’s our main equipment in life. I think Robbo is the epitome of what an athlete is. I’m so glad she brought light to it because it’s not on.”

Robinson has scored six tries in 13 games in her NRLW career and will look to add to that tally after being named on the wing for Brisbane’s game against Newcastle on Sunday.

Womens Origin
Camera IconAli Brigginshaw has all the respect in the world for State of Origin teammate Julia Robinson. Lachie Millard Credit: Supplied

“She epitomises what a rugby league athlete is,” Broncos skipper Ali Brigginshaw said.

“On the field and off the field, her discipline with how she trains and what she eats is phenomenal. She’s an amazing athlete and the club is totally behind her.”

At a time when the footy world is calling on everyone to come together, Dragons skipper Kezie Apps had a simple message for trolls ahead of the new season.

“If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.”

 

 

Originally published as NRLW 2022: Trolls who post ‘disgusting’ comments ‘need to be held accountable’

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