The Central Coast’s own Isabelle Kelly has etched her name into the record books, becoming the first woman in NRLW history to notch up 50 career games.
Kelly achieved the milestone in front of a home crowd at Polytec Stadium, Gosford, as her Sydney Roosters went head-to-head with the Newcastle Knights on Sunday afternoon, August 17.
It was a fitting backdrop for a player who has carried the pride of the Central Coast throughout her career.
A foundation player and Rooster #4, Kelly has been a cornerstone of the club since the competition’s inception in 2018.
She captained the Roosters to their 2024 Premiership, earned three Dally M Centre of the Year awards, and was crowned RLPA Players’ Champion in 2024.
Reflecting on the achievement, Kelly said she was proud to share the moment with her club and community.
“To be acknowledged for something like this and I think playing a club with this calibre as well is something that I really loved in my career and something that’s a massive honour,” Kelly said.
“It’s really up there when I talk about my rugby league career; I’m just really grateful that I get to be in this position.”
Kelly isn’t the only one with strong ties to the region with Roosters coach John Strange also calling the Central Coast home, along with more than a handful of players in the current squad.
For local fans, that made Sunday’s milestone match a celebration not just of Kelly’s career, but of the Coast’s growing influence on the national stage.
Her career achievements stretch far beyond club footy.
Kelly has captained NSW to back-to-back State of Origin series wins in 2024 and 2025, and she has been a Jillaroos mainstay since 2017, the year she helped secure a Rugby League World Cup in her debut season.
She has since represented Australia in 15 Test matches.
With the competition only starting in 2018 and running with shorter seasons in its early years, opportunities to build long careers have been limited.
Her achievement comes during a landmark weekend for the NRLW, with fellow Roosters teammate Keely Davis also reaching 50 games, and Brisbane Broncos star Ali Brigginshaw set to join them in Round 7.
For Kelly, though, reaching the milestone on home soil made the moment even more special.
Her journey, from a Berkeley Vale Rugby League junior to an international leader, has set the benchmark for the next generation of Central Coast players.
Milestones like these highlight not only Kelly’s legacy but also just how far the NRLW has come in a short time.
As the women’s game continues to grow, Kelly’s 50th match will stand as a proud reminder of the foundations being laid today for the stars of tomorrow.
Skaie Hull
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