A host of women across a range of categories were announced as finalists today, with Sims nominated as one of four finalists in the New South Wales Premier's Woman of the Year category.

The other three finalists in this category are; associate professor Payal Mukherjee (an adult and paediatric ear, nose and throat surgeon, specialising in ear surgery and cochlear implantation), Laura O'Reilly (a social entrepreneur who is working to create change in Australia's disability sector) and Tracey Spicer OAM (a journalist, author and broadcaster over many years and passionate about the rights of women and girls).

NRL general manager of the women's elite program, Tiffany Slater, congratulated Sims on her nomination and paid tribute to her work on and off the rugby league field over many years.

"Ruan has secured many rugby league highlights over the years, including captaining her country and state," Slater said.

"Not only is she a fierce competitor, but Ruan is also a leading figure in promoting a range of our NRL community and mental wellbeing programs across schools, junior rugby league clubs and throughout communities.

"Ruan is a tremendous advocate for our game and her nomination as a finalist in the 2019 New South Wales Women of the Year Awards is well deserved."

The 2019 New South Wales Women of the Year Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, March 7.