Marlee Silva is a hugely talented Author, Podcaster, NRL sideline commentator and most recently, documentary maker. Her recent project, Skin in the Game, available on SBS is an impressive and insightful documentary about rugby league, the place it holds in Australian culture and its complex relationship with gendered violence.

Marlee Silva is probably most recognisable from her role as a sideline commentator in the NRL and NRLW. She has a skill at asking questions that go a little bit deeper than your typical surface level journalism which enables players to show a bit more of their character and charisma. Her skillset in this area is on full display in her podcast Marlee & Me in which she interviews some of the biggest stars in rugby league. Marlee allows time and space for her guests to feel comfortable and allows them to show their more vulnerable side. The result is some amazing stories being shared and fans being given access to a side of players they don’t usually get to see.

But Marlee’s documentary, Skin In the Game, which has only just been released on SBS is her latest project which is turning heads. As the daughter of Bulldogs legend Rod Silva, Marlee has grown up as a diehard fan of rugby league. Skin In the Game investigates how rugby league has changed since the days her Dad was playing, the opportunities it provides and the NRL’s increasing role as a leading public organisation in Australia. The NRL is the governing body which is effectively employs a huge group sportsters who are public figures and celebrities in Australian culture. As such, the NRL has an important responsibility to ensure the world of rugby league is accessible, safe, inclusive and reflective of Australian society.

Unfortunately, Australia is experiencing an endemic of gendered violence and the world of rugby league is not exempt. In fact, due to the high profile of the players and teams across Australia, any scandals are reported in mainstream media and are part of a broader national conversation. The NRL has a responsibility for setting the standards which are acceptable in rugby league and needs to be in touch with everyday Australians who are calling for public figures to be held accountable for their actions, including NRL players.

Whilst the NRL has done a lot for the growth of the women’s game, there is still a long way to go. There are still attitudes across all levels of the NRL which are holding the game back from being truly inclusive. Notably, the there are no NRL clubs with female leadership at a governing level. Without appropriate representation at the highest level it is impossible for rugby league to grow in a completely inclusive way.

Skin In the Game raises plenty of questions, but also shows the positive impact that rugby league can have as a place of community, camaraderie and togetherness. Rugby league is a massive part of Australian culture and attracts people from every corner of the country. the NRL has potential to be a leader and shape the landscape for women’s sport and to advocate on broader issues impacting all Australians, like the gendered violence endemic. Whether the NRL has the guts to do so, we will have to wait and see.