In a landmark moment for sport broadcasting, Emma Lawrence will become the first woman in NRL broadcast history to call a game, as part of Triple M’s play-by-play commentary team.
One of the most respected voices in the game, Lawrence will be a regular in the 2026 NRL season on Triple M’s Rush Hour NSW, after first joining the station in 2017. She’s also been a regular on Channel Nine’s NRL coverage and has previously reported with Fox Sports Australia and Channel 10.
“I’m pumped to kick off the 2026 NRL season on Triple M,” Lawrence said about her new role.
“Calling the game that I love alongside such an elite crew is an absolute thrill, and I can’t wait to take listeners through every tackle, try, and big moment. Let’s get it started!”
Ewan Giles, Southern Cross Austereo’s Head of Sports Content, said that having Lawrence step into the play-by-play call team is “a no-brainer”.
“Emma is one of the sharpest broadcasters in rugby league and is prepared, instinctive, and respected across the industry, and this opportunity reflects how highly regarded she is at Triple M,” Giels said.
Working in the male-dominated sport broadcasting field, sports commentator Kate Allman told The Guardian that Lawrence’s appointment was “a win for all women” in their field.
“Commentary booths have for a long time been male-dominated spaces and particularly in the role of play-by-play,” Allman said.
“Someone has to be first to shatter that glass ceiling. It’s never easy to get to that first spot or to stay there, but it will hopefully open the door for more women in future.”
Joining Lawrence on the 2026 NRL Triple M broadcasting team will be Luke Keary, who enters the commentary box for the first time. The commentary regulars will also include Dan Ginnane, Anthony Maroon, Ben Dobbin and Elliott Lovejoy.
In Australia, and internationally, men are more likely than women to feature in the media coverage of sports, including both playing and commentating.
Women make up only 17 per cent of sports journalists in Australia, well below the 50 per cent representation in general media coverage.