The Cronulla Sharks are seeking an NRLW & Female Pathways Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to oversee all medical management, injury prevention, match-day coverage and health governance across our NRLW and Female Pathways programs.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of elite women’s rugby league, and play a vital role in athlete safety, wellbeing, and performance.

Reporting to the Group CEO, the NRLW & Female Pathways CMO is responsible for safeguarding player health and delivering high-quality medical care throughout the season. You will ensure compliance with NRL/NRLW Rules, manage injury and illness cases, and work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary performance team.

You’ll also be a key contributor to our club’s continued development of world-class high-performance environments for female athletes.

Key Responsibilities

In line with NRL and NRLW medical requirements, your responsibilities will include:

Medical & Injury Management

• Provide match-day medical coverage for NRLW games and agreed training sessions.
• Deliver daily access to medical advice, assessment, and management for players.
• Lead injury prevention, injury management, return-to-play planning and emergency care.
• Oversee referrals for radiology, pathology, specialists, surgery and external providers.
• Conduct entry, annual and exit medicals for all NRLW athletes.
• Hold ultimate authority on medical fitness to train, play, or continue playing.

Concussion, Anti-Doping & Supplements

• Manage concussion protocols in line with NRL requirements.
• Provide education to players and staff on concussion and safe participation.
• Ensure compliance with all Anti-Doping and Illicit Drugs Policies.
• Participate in the Club Supplement Committee and maintain supplement/medication registers.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with NRLW Medical Rules, WHS, clinical records and AHPRA standards.
• Attend relevant club, medical or NRL meetings as required.
• Maintain accurate medical documentation and injury reporting.
• Provide medical reports for judiciary matters when requested.
• Support club governance through risk reporting and participation in policy development.

About You (Essential Criteria)

• MBBS or equivalent medical degree.
• Current AHPRA registration.
• Medical indemnity insurance with professional sport cover.
• Completion of MOST (ACSEP) or equivalent within 3 years.
• Experience working in elite or professional contact sport.
• Commitment to ethical, evidence-based medicine and player welfare.

Highly Regarded

• Postgraduate sports medicine qualifications (ACSEP pathway, SEM, etc.).
• General practice experience.
• Previous exposure to female athlete health and high-performance environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a high-pressure team setting.

Why Join the Cronulla Sharks?

• Be part of a growing NRLW program with strong pathways.
• Work within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary high-performance team.
• Support the development and success of elite female rugby league athletes.
• Impactful role contributing to club culture, athlete wellbeing, and long-term program success.