Cherine Fahd, The Captains, 2026

The MCA’s inaugural Harvey Norman Art Commission brings the 12 leaders of the 2026 National Women’s Rugby League teams off the field and into the gallery.

Commissioned artist Cherine Fahd (b. 1974, Sydney) has created a series of striking portraits of the teams’ leaders. Inspired by both classical sculpture and school photographs, Fahd’s monumentally composed black-and-white photographs invite us to reflect on ideas of visibility, leadership and legacy.

As part of her process, Fahd asked each of her sitters to bring personal objects with them into the studio. Some of these objects, including rings and trophies, have become part of the final work.

According to Fahd, ‘visibility alone does not complete the project of equality’. The Captains shines a light on these athletes while acknowledging that women’s involvement and recognition in sport continues to be a work in progress.

Featured players

• Apii Nicholls, New Zealand Warriors

• Brooke Anderson, St. George Illawarra Dragons

• Emma Manzelmann, North Queensland Cowboys

• Georgia Hale, Gold Coast Titans

• Isabelle Kelly, Sydney Roosters

• Jada Ferguson, Brisbane Broncos

• Kezie Apps, Wests Tigers

• Mahalia Murphy, Parramatta Eels

• Tayla Preston, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

• Tiana Penitani Gray, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

• Yasmin Meakes, Newcastle Knights

• Zahara Temara, Canberra Raiders

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