THESE women could count the number of times they’ve worn a dress on one hand, but they’ll happily replace footy boots for high heels next Monday night.

It’s the first time female players will have the chance to win an award at the Dally M’s, the night of nights for Rugby League.

“It’s something I thought would never happen in my time of playing footy,” Jillaroos captain Steph Hancock said during dress fittings yesterday, trying on a floor length ball gown by Montique.

media_camera Karina Brown. Pictures: Jack Tran

“50 per cent of it has got to do with all the hard work the girls have been putting in and then 50 per cent is down to the amount of young girls that want to play footy — you can’t ignore it.”

Hancock, who’s dad is former Queensland Test prop Rohan Hancock, said she was way out of her comfort zone in the hair and make up chair.

media_camera Australian Woman Rugby League player Karina Brown. Pictures: Jack Tran media_camera Australian Woman Rugby League player Maima Taufa. Pictures: Jack Tran

“I’m a police officer so I never wear make up. The only time I’ve ever worn a dress was when I was a bridesmaid. This sort of thing for me is a little bit out there,” she said.

“But it’s for footy, so I’ll do anything.”

Hancock has been nominated for the prestigious Female Player of the Year award alongside Jillaroo teammates and fellow Queenslanders Karina Brown and Jenni-Sue Hoepper, and Simaima Taufa from New South Wales.

media_camera Australian Woman Rugby League players Jenni-Sue Hoepper, Steph Hancock, Karina Brown and Maima Taufa. Pictures: Jack Tran

For Brown, 26, the recognition is about changing the public’s perceptions of female footy players.

“(We want to show) it’s OK for girls to tackle,” she said.

“When you look at where (the Jillaroos) started and what they didn’t have to now, to what we have, it’s amazing where it’s got to.”

The Dally M Awards will be held next Monday night at The Star in Sydney.

Originally published as Karina goes from rugby to glam