When Darlene Maher treks Kokoda this July, rugby league will have a lot to answer for.

The Parramatta Eels got her hooked on the game when she was only 16, sitting on the hill at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Eels took on the St George Dragons and turned her into a lifelong Parramatta supporter.

When her eldest son, Jared, joined the Thirroul under sevens junior rugby league team, local footy finished the job.

Ten years later, Darlene is secretary of the Thirroul JRLC, a paid-up member of the Crystal Bears, a regular on the hill at WIN Stadium and the proud mum of two Thirroul juniors.

Jared is now an Illawarra junior representative player and member of the under-18s, Brad plays under 13s, and the family business, Illawarra Sports, is the sponsor for the number 8 jersey for the St George Illawarra Dragons.

And at the time when most men and women would think that their schedule was full enough, Darlene started looking for a new challenge.

“It’s not too bad having two kids involved. It’s probably a bigger commitment being secretary of the club; that keeps me busy. I’ve helped out with the teams since the boys started, either managing a side or doing the stats for them, washing the jerseys, organizing socials,” she says.

“Last year we attended the One Community awards, nominated for grass roots competition, and I got to thinking what else at another level we could do as part of the community.”

“Talking with my friends I said 'I want a bit of a challenge for myself, I want to include some fundraising and raise awareness that we’re part of a junior club, that we’re footy mums, that we’re women in league.' It’s just snowballed from there.”

Even Darlene's trekking partner is the mother of another Thirroul junior player. The two women will tackle Kokoda together in July, wearing Dragons Pink V Women in Keague jerseys and raising money to support the Joanne McKay Breast cancer Foundation.

Brad McKay and the foundation have designed special “Pink Vs Conquer Kokoda” caps, available to buy through Illawarra Sport, and are collecting donations and sponsorship throughout June and July.

Lastly, the Heart of the Game decided to ask Darlene about her pick for this year’s Favourite Son Award. Who better to ask about contributing to the community?

“I’ve got a soft spot for Hindy,” she says.

“He does a lot for the community and the kids, I don’t think there’s a person you talk to who doesn’t like him. And he’s a bit of a character isn’t he? Typical country boy.”

If you’re outside the Illawarra and would like to offer support or sponsorship to the Pink Vs Conquer Kokoda and the Joanne Mckay Breast Cancer Foundation, drop Darlene a line on secretary@thirroulbutchers.com.au.

As winner of the OPSM Good Girl of the Month, Darlene has been provided over $150 worth of free eyewear from OPSM. To find out more about OPSM please visit www.opsm.com.au

Nominate a Good Girl of the Month - email your nomations to: onecommunity@rugbyleague.com.au