Despite this season's negative press, the National Rugby League has paid tribute to the contribution women make across all levels of the game with its annual Women in League lunch.
The lunch takes place just a day after Cronulla's chief executive, Tony Zappia, stood down from his position pending an investigation into comments he made to a former female employee, Jenny Hall.
Zappia's action came after broadcast of a taped conversation in which Ms Hall accuses him of punching her in the face.
The scandal involving Zappia is the latest in a string of incidents which have come to light this NRL season, including revelations of the 2002 group sex scandal involving Channel nine identity Matthew Johns.
The NRL says it cannot influence the way clubs choose their boards but would like to see more women involved in top management.
