Even when former Jillaroos captain and 16-time State of Origin rugby league star, Steph Hancock, was out kicking goals, she always knew she was made to be a cop.
Rugby league legend and Logan District Watchhouse Senior Constable Steph Hancock will be representing Queensland for her 17th Women’s State of Origin game tonight, June 24, in Canberra.
From beating the Kiwis in the 2013 World Cup to playing in every NRWL season since it started, Senior Constable Hancock has had her share of impressive moments on the field. Senior Constable Hancock is also the daughter of prolific rugby league player Rohan Hancock.
“I’m so proud to be the first father and daughter duo to represent Australia and Queensland in Rugby League. Even though there’s been some tough times, I love this sport.”
“I remember, for my first game, I had my hair tucked up in my headgear, and I scored four tries. A bloke came up to my dad afterwards and told him – mark my words, that young bloke out there, he’ll play rep footy one day.”
“My old man turned around and said mate, that’s my daughter!”
After age nine, girls weren’t allowed to play rugby, but Senior Constable Steph Hancock never gave up her passion for the sport.
“Now, times have changed, and there are so many more opportunities for women to be involved in the sport. When you listen to people talk about women’s footy, they enjoy watching it more than the men’s!”
At age 20, Senior Constable Steph Hancock had only played four games with the Toowoomba Fillies in the Brisbane competition when she ended up being selected for the Jillaroos to play in the 2003 World Cup.
By age 25 she had applied to the QPS and has never looked back – 14 years later, Senior Constable Hancock has blended her two passions, signing a new contract with the Gold Coast Titans while juggling her full-time policing career.
“As an officer, every day is so different. The idea of sitting down at a desk all day bores me to tears – I can’t sit still! I love that I can be active and on my feet while being out in the community helping people. It’s tough sometimes, being a police officer, but it’s so rewarding to be able to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
Senior Constable Hancock has always loved being part of a team, and the sense of camaraderie that comes along with it. She says that as an officer and a rugby league player, you need to trust your fellow teammates inside and out.
“If you love playing team sports, I think you’re made for policing. You’re resilient, you’re switched on – you’ve got trust in those around you and you’re ready to bring your a-game. These are all qualities that make a great cop.”
As a police officer, Senior Constable Hancock’s work has allowed her to travel and work in some amazing places across Queensland.
“Mt Isa, Barcaldine, Blackall, Cloncurry – you name it, I’ve probably been there. There are so many opportunities to get out into the regions.”
“We always bang on about how rewarding policing is, but it really is. If you want to help people, this is the place to be.”
If you’re interested in a policing career, visit policerecruit.com.au to take the eligibility quiz and see if you’ve got what it takes to become a police officer. There’s never been a better time to join the QPS.
