A PILLAR of women’s rugby league in Warrington is to be inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame.

As both a player and a coach, Jane Banks made a huge contribution to the women’s game in the town having established herself as a star of the Great Britain side in the late 1990s.

Her accomplishments also saw her named Warrington Sports Personality of the Year in 2001, while her role within the Warrington Wolves Foundation saw her coach and mentor hundreds of girls in the town, including current England stars Jodie Cunningham and Emily Rudge.

Now, her contributions to the game are being recognised after the RFL confirmed she would be elevated to the Hall of Fame at an induction dinner next month.

"I am so honoured to be inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame," she said.

"Rugby league has been a huge part of my life since I started out with Warrington Ladies at 13.

"I've made lifelong friends and travelled the world. It's also taught me many lessons about hard work, dedication, teamwork and doing what it takes to always improve.

"I couldn't have done it without my family who supported me every step of the way as well as my friends and all my club and international teammates.

"I want to thank the RFL for this honour and I hope it can show young players what you can achieve."

She will be joined by former Warrington Wolves man Paul Sculthorpe as well as another legendary women’s player in Michelle Land and Super League icon Jamie Peacock.

“On behalf of the whole sport, I would like to congratulate Jane, Michelle, Jamie and Paul on their very worthy induction into the RL Hall of Fame,” RFL chief executive Tony Sutton said.

“All four represented their clubs and their country with distinction throughout their playing careers and acted as inspirational role models to countless numbers of young players.

“It is a real privilege to be able to bestow this very special honour on four individuals who have made such important contributions to the history of our sport.”