Melanie Howard

Melanie Howard (born 10 May 1993) is an Australian rugby league footballer who plays for Leeds Rhinos in the RFL Women's Super League.

Primarily a , she is a New South Wales and Prime Minister's XIII representative.

Background Born in Gosford, New South Wales, Howard played her junior rugby for the Northern Lakes Warriors.

Playing career St George Illawarra Dragons In June 2018, Howard represented NSW Country at the inaugural Women's National Championships.

On 31 July 2018, she signed with the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NSWRL Women's Premiership.

In Round 1 of the 2018 NRL Women's season, she made her debut for the Dragons in a 4–30 loss to the Brisbane Broncos.

Sydney Roosters On 26 June 2019, she joined the Sydney Roosters NRLW team.

On 25 October 2020, Howard started at in the Roosters' 10–20 NRLW Grand Final loss to the Brisbane Broncos.

Leeds Rhinos On 17 March 2025 it was reported that she had signed for Leeds Rhinos in the RFL Women's Super League

Representative On 6 October 2018, she represented the Prime Minister's XIII in their 40–4 win over Papua New Guinea.

In May 2019, she represented NSW Country at the Women's National Championships.

On 13 November 2020, she made her State of Origin debut for New South Wales in their 18–24 loss to Queensland.